The battle to secure a future for the Mphephu Resort has taken a bitter turn, with community members accusing the Limpopo provincial government of betrayal after the site they rebuilt with their own hands was reclaimed — only to be left abandoned again.
After heavy rains in 2021 left the once-thriving resort in disrepair, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) quietly walked away, citing a lack of resources. But the people of Nzhelele refused to watch their heritage rot.
In 2023, a group of young people and some women, under the guidance of the Vhembe Concerned Group, raised their own funds and began restoring the resort. It operated for a full year, hosting families, boosting the local taxi industry, and reviving the rural economy.
But on 7 December 2024, LEDET took back control and closed the facility, promising official renovations.
Six months later, that promise has collapsed.
LEDET spokesperson Zaid Kalla confirmed that no funds have been allocated for Mphephu Resort in the 2025/26 infrastructure or tourism development budget. He insisted, however, that the department remained committed to the project in the long term — "should we receive funding from Treasury".
Kalla said the resort had been included in the department's long-term infrastructure plan (TB5) and that a condition assessment had been completed by the Department of Public Works. However, the report is not automatically accessible to the public and must be requested through the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).
Despite the community outcry, LEDET shows no intention of handing the resort back. "The department is still committed to refurbishing the facility, as we would like to see it operational, attracting tourism and benefiting residents," said Kalla.
But locals are not convinced. They argue that while LEDET waits on Treasury, people on the ground are left jobless and robbed of a resource they fought to revive. "Not being given the budget is a slap in the face," said Sam Lusunzi, chairperson of the Vhembe Concerned Group. "It undermines the youth and women who worked at the resort and were feeding their families. The MEC and the Premier are heartless. They don't care about poor people."
Lusunzi said the community wanted only one thing: the return of the facility. "The women and youth don't want any money. They'll use their own funds and energy. All we ask is to be allowed back in by July," he said.
Richard Mukhaninga, of the Musikiedzi Foundation, expressed shock that while other entertainment centres had received budget allocations, Mphephu Resort had been sidelined — despite its proven impact and community-driven revival. "We had more than 50 volunteers running the resort successfully. Mphephu Resort clearly showed it can operate," Mukhaninga said.
He revealed that he had previously engaged with MEC Tshitereke Matibe, who promised that the resort would be renovated. But instead of support, Mukhaninga said, the community was blindsided by an interdict preventing them from entering the premises. "We were surprised to receive an interdict instead of help. Now, there are security guards posted, to protect what? Grasses and baboons? No activities are happening there," he added.
Mukhaninga also accused the MEC of ignoring multiple attempts to engage further. "I've tried several times to contact MEC Matibe, but he no longer returns my calls," he said.