Mutale - More than 100 pupils from three rural schools in Limpopo have received tracksuits ahead of autumn and winter.
The donation, from the Vhembe district municipality in Thohoyandou, was made to Bale, Masisi and Tshikondeni primary schools in Niani outside Mutale.
"This is a great gift for me because I have suffered in the cold weather many times, unlike some of my schoolmates whose families can afford to buy them proper school uniform and tracksuits for when it is cold," said Grade 6 pupil Annah Mutavhatsindi, 11, from Bale Primary.
Bale Primary is considered as one of the poorest schools in Vhembe district. Most of the pupils go barefoot and without proper school uniform.
School principal Mashudu Budeli said the donation was a blessing because most parents in the village were without jobs.
Various councillors, including district mayor Florence Dzhombere, handed out the tracksuits and school uniform.
"We want poor learners whose parents cannot afford to buy school uniform for their children to understand that the district is determined to change their lives for the better..." said Dzhombere.
She said her municipality would provide transport to pupils who travel long distances to and from school.
"We urge parents to actively play an important role in promoting a better education for their children. The dawn of democracy has opened doors of learning to all the learners, even those in the poorest communities."
Masisi village traditional leader Khosi Nndanduleni Mundalamo welcomed the donation.
"Most of the rural villages in this area are poverty-stricken because their parents don't work... It is heartening to see the district municipality doing this," said Mundalamo.
