Community anger is growing over delays and uncertainty surrounding the multimillion-rand Lemana College project outside Elim. The frustration was raised during a visit by Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba and Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela on 9 April.
Their visit has renewed questions about whether the long-delayed project will move forward. Lemana College, established in 1906, is one of the region’s oldest institutions and has produced prominent figures in politics, education and public life.
Tensions surfaced during the visit, with residents and local leaders disagreeing over the future of the site. The dispute includes the allocation and alleged sale of residential stands by the Njaka Njaka Tribal Council on land linked to the college.
Last year, the Limpopo Mirror reported that millions had been spent on repairs to the historic Lemana College, with little to show for it. Residents say there has been little progress despite years of promises. The restoration project dates back to 2013.
More than a decade later, the buildings remain incomplete and in disrepair. The project has faced repeated setbacks. An initial contract worth about R36 million was terminated due to poor performance. A second contractor was later appointed, pushing costs up further. Work again stalled amid disputes and disruptions.
Despite the investment, there is little to show on the ground. The site has been left exposed to vandalism and neglect. Ramathuba and her team blamed the community for vandalism, but residents rejected the claim.
“Stands are being sold to people, and once they have access, vandalism follows,” said resident Nelly Tlakula. “It starts at the chief’s level. The delay in completing the project has also contributed to the vandalism.”
During the visit, Ramathuba proposed converting the site into a skills development centre. She said it could assist young people who are unemployed after Grade 12, as well as graduates struggling to find work. No clear timeline was given.
Manamela said government must first assess what is feasible, including how the project would fit alongside institutions such as the University of Venda and nearby TVET colleges.
Tensions resurfaced at a recent community meeting, where disagreements over the future of the site continued.
“Let me be clear: the cutting of stands must stop. It is wrong, and it will not continue. Lemana is not just land. It is a heritage. It carries history, leadership and education that shaped this province,” said Ramathuba.
She said selling stands for as little as R10,000 risks permanent loss. “Once it is gone, it is gone,” she said. The Njaka Njaka Tribal Council has denied the allegations. Speaking on behalf of the council, spokesperson Nkateko Shipalana said claims that stands are being sold at Lemana College are false.
“These allegations amount to defamation of character, and we are addressing the matter through relevant channels,” he said.
The newspaper sent questions to provincial government spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela and Higher Education Minister spokesperson Matshepo Seedat last Friday. The questions focused on the department’s role in the project, delays in decision-making, accountability for funds already spent, and timelines following the recent visit. No response had been received at the time of going to press.