Malalane - Pupils from a rural primary school in Mpumalanga this week received an early Christmas.
The pupils from Lugedlane Primary School in Mangweni village, north of Malalane, enjoyed cake during a Christmas celebration for 55 orphans and 50 vulnerable children.
The school's 28 teachers collected donations from local businesses, which they used to buy cakes, snacks, salads and 105 gifts.
"It is for the first time that we see something like this. We have heard of children celebrating Christmas and getting gifts, but today it has happened to us," said Nomthandazo Ubisi, an orphan in Grade 1.
Nomthandazo said the school principal Dina Nsimbini had always treated her pupils with warmth and love.
"Our principal is like an angel to us, we will always be thankful to her," she said, adding that the party was a blessing.
Nsimbini said she was thankful to all the sponsors who made the event possible.
"It is such a blessing and all the children are happy... There is lots of food and drinks - it's a wonderful Christmas for the children."
She said often the teachers were touched by the hardships the children had to face. "Teachers always come to my office with tears in their eyes after hearing stories from their pupils."
Audrey Siboza, who spoke on behalf of the teachers, applauded Nsimbini for the role she played at the school.
"Since she joined us early this year, our school has improved in many ways. She is a blessing to us and the pupils, a mother to everyone."
Regional departmental representative, Nonhle Khoza, who was the guest speaker of the day, said she could not believe the good work the teachers had done.
"I am working with schools and teachers on a daily basis but I've never come across a school that implements this kind of project," said Khoza.
She said the teachers had gone beyond the call of duty and showed that they care.
Lugedlane Primary School was established in 1955 with only 401 pupils and six teachers. Today, it has 1 020 pupils and 28 teachers including the principal.
The school has produced well-known people like Dr John Tibane, who is a professional doctor and motivational speaker.
