Mabopane Train Station, a vital transit hub where over 150,000 commuters once traveled daily between Mabopane and Pretoria, has been left abandoned, casting uncertainty over its future. Initially scheduled for partial reopening in September 2020 and full operation by April 2021, the station’s redevelopment has since stalled, leaving residents in limbo.
The station’s abandoned infrastructure has transformed it into a crime hotspot, and its once-thriving platforms now serve as an informal dumping ground for traders.
What was once a bustling centre of movement and connection has become an unsightly and deteriorating landmark in the community.
The refurbishment, which involved an investment of over R1 billion under the former Transport Minister, aimed to restore the station to its former state and accommodate thousands of daily commuters.
However, the long-abandoned project raises serious concerns about the region’s public transport infrastructure and the government’s commitment to its completion.
Our investigation delves into the impact of this neglected resource on the Mabopane community and explores what might lie ahead for this essential, yet forsaken, public asset.
