The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) is transferring Elijah Mango College of Higher Education to Ehlanzeni TVET College to be repurposed as its local campus.

DPWRT spokesperson Bongani Dhlamini said the department has received a formal request for the transfer. “The process, which involves the deeds office, is at an advanced stage,” he added.

This information was widely welcomed by the Nsikazi community on Facebook on Thursday, March 26, when Mpumalanga News’ sister paper, Lowvelder Express, broke the news.

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Most commended the government for taking a good step to protect the beloved facility and keep its long history of education provision. The Ehlanzeni TVET College will now boast a campus to serve KaBokweni and surrounding areas.

Community members said the government, particularly the DPWRT, had been silent for too long regarding plans to refurbish the neglected and vandalised facility.

Joshua Malope, one of the founding members of the KaBokweni Community Movement, said that, while a security company was appointed by the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison last year, no further action appears to have been taken to maintain the facility.

“We understand that the refurbishment process may take time, but we would appreciate communication from the government on how we can work together to clean and maintain the facility in the meantime. We were excited when Premier Mandla Ndlovu mentioned it in his 2025 State of the Province Address,” said Malope.

The movement led various clean-up campaigns in 2025 to keep the facility in shape.

“We used the campaigns to assist the government, but it is costly to maintain such a large facility,” he added.

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Malope said the community hopes the government will fast-track the refurbishment process. “This is our pride and joy because many local professionals were educated here.”

He added that they had hoped Ndlovu would mention the facility in his 2026 address, outlining plans for the institution and a budget allocation from the Provincial Treasury.