Former *Skeem Saam* actor Cornet Mamabolo has reached an inspiring milestone that goes far beyond the television screen. Best known for his role as Tbose Maputla, Mamabolo has successfully established an accredited artisan college in his home village, turning personal success into a lasting gift for his community. The announcement has been met with widespread praise from fans, fellow celebrities, and community members who see the initiative as a powerful investment in South Africa’s future.
Mamabolo shared the exciting news on social media at the end of December 2025, describing the achievement as his greatest fulfilment of the year. The institution, named **Shandalea College**, is based in Maripathekong village in Ga-Molepo, Limpopo. It serves as a fully accredited centre for artisan training and testing, aimed at equipping young people with practical, employable skills that can open doors to sustainable livelihoods.
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While many South Africans still associate Mamabolo with his memorable television role, the actor has steadily built a reputation as a focused entrepreneur and community builder. In recent years, he has transitioned from acting into business, most notably with the launch of Mabodibane Resort, a luxury nature retreat that has boosted tourism and created jobs in the area. The establishment of Shandalea College now adds education and skills development to his growing list of contributions.
Reflecting on the journey, Mamabolo expressed deep gratitude and a strong sense of purpose. He shared that building the college felt like a personal gift to his younger self, a way of investing in the dreams of youth who may lack access to opportunities. According to him, there is nothing more fulfilling than creating projects that tangibly improve other people’s lives, particularly those from the same communities that shaped him.
Images shared from the college reveal a well-equipped institution, complete with workstations, instructors, and student artisans already engaged in hands-on training. The focus on artisan skills is especially significant in a country facing high youth unemployment, as such training provides practical pathways into the workforce or entrepreneurship.
The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media users praised Mamabolo for consistently giving back and for choosing development projects with long-term impact. Fellow actors and public figures applauded his vision, describing the college as a “big deal” and a shining example of leadership rooted in service. Community members from Ga-Molepo also expressed pride, noting that Mamabolo has uplifted the area through multiple initiatives over the years.
By establishing Shandalea College, Cornet Mamabolo has demonstrated that true success is not measured only by fame or financial gain, but by the ability to uplift others. His journey from actor to entrepreneur and community builder highlights the power of reinvesting success back into one’s roots. For many young people in Limpopo and surrounding areas, the college represents hope, opportunity, and a future shaped by skills, dignity, and possibility.
