The Tshikombani vehicle testing station in Mandala, first announced in the 2022/23 budget speech, remains non-operational despite Thulamela Municipality confirming that construction has been completed.
The project was initially allocated R20 million for two testing stations — one at Mandala and another at Tshaulu. However, the total cost for the Mandala facility eventually rose to R39.37 million, funded from the municipality’s own resources.
The original construction tender was published in February 2021, with completion scheduled for June 2024. As of early 2026, the facility has yet to open. Municipal officials previously cited delays linked to Eskom’s installation of a transformer and the testing of air conditioners, with electricity confirmed for supply by 27 February 2025.
The incomplete station was flagged in the Auditor-General’s report on Thulamela Municipality’s 2023/24 financial statements, marking the municipality’s first qualified audit outcome in six years. The Auditor-General criticised the municipality for failing to complete several capital projects, including the Tshikombani testing station. The sister project at Tshaulu remains on hold due to insufficient funding.
Samuel Lusunzi of the Vhembe Concerned Group said the community was losing confidence in the project.
“We don't see the use of this thing [building] here. It was supposed to have opened ages ago. Maybe it is another white elephant just like that taxi rank in Thohoyandou. People are still going to Sibasa for testing. At the same time, we have a building that costs more than R30 million of taxpayers' money, and now they have hired a security company, whose identity we don't know. What they are guarding, we don't know. But they are being paid every month, just sitting guarding a building that doesn't work. If this station starts working, we are hopeful that it will create employment for local people,” he said.
Residents currently travel about 35 km to Sibasa for vehicle testing services.
Thulamela Municipality spokesperson Nndwamato Tshila said construction of the Mandala Licensing Centre has been completed.
“Thulamela Local Municipality is pleased to announce that construction of the Mandala Licensing Centre has been completed. Internal administrative processes are currently being finalised to ensure a smooth and efficient start of operations. The municipality is confident that the Mandala Licensing Centre will be fully operational in the next financial year, commencing in July 2026. This development marks an important step toward strengthening service delivery and improving accessibility for the residents of Thulamela,” he said.
Tshila confirmed that the final total budget for the Tshikombani Testing Station is R39.37 million and noted that construction of the sister project at Tshaulu has been halted due to a lack of funds.