A CONCERNED group of more than 50 residents from Nzhelele in Limpopo embarked on an ambitious mission to breathe life back into the forsaken Mphephu Resort.
In the past two weeks, the residents have taken it upon themselves to clean and renovate the resort with the hope of creating job opportunities and preserving their heritage.
The Mphephu Resort was a source of immense pride for Nzhelele, a place that once echoed with laughter, fun, and cherished memories.
It was reported that the resort stopped operating in 2021 due to damage to its infrastructure caused by rain.
Residents rolled up their sleeves, gathered their tools, and set out to revitalise the resort.
One of the volunteers told Daily Sun the reason she goes there every day is because she's hopeful that once the resort starts operating again, she will get a job there.
"It has been difficult to find a job, and we believe that by renovating this place, it might offer us work later," she said.
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Phathutshedzo Mukhaninga, the leader of the group of volunteers, said their goal is to restore the resort to its former glory and preserve their heritage.
"We also want it to create job opportunities again because, for years now, the government has been telling us to 'vuk'zenzele' (to get up and do it yourself), and now we are busy doing it ourselves," he said.
Mukhaninga said they are very grateful for the community members volunteering to help them revive this beautiful heritage.
However, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism has stated that they did not permit anyone to restore the resort.
The department spokesman, Callies Matlala, said the department is a government institution and does not promote lawlessness in the community.
"We had requested the Limpopo Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to conduct a conditional assessment, which should not take more than 12 months to be finalised. Therefore, for the rehabilitation project to be concluded satisfactorily and be of good quality, it will take approximately 36 months to complete, subject to budget availability," he said.
The spokesman of the Mphephu-Ramabulana royal family, Ntsieni Ramabulana, said the royal family has long been calling on the government to revive the resort because of the obvious economic benefits it offers to the area.
"While we understand the community’s anger and frustration, we should always work within the confines of the law. We urge the government to urgently engage with our community to resolve this matter," he said.
