Villagers at Mhinga bordering the Kruger National Park are on cloud nine, after they were finally able to listen to SABC radio stations and watch the three SABC channels clearly and with no interruption.

“This is great news and at last our plea has been answered,” said the local traditional leader, Hosi Shilungwa Cydrick Mhinga, at a ceremony at the local sports ground last Friday. Community members danced and pranced after the SABC and Sentec switched on the TV to show that had become a reality - the people of Mhinga could now watch TV.

The head of the SABC stations in Limpopo, Mr Victor Ravhuanzwo, hailed the event as historical. “Today is an historic occasion that responds to the request and urgings of the community that could not access radio and TV like other communities,” he said.

He said the switching on of the low-power transmitter was done by the SABC, in conjunction with Sentec and the Department of Communications of the Vhembe district and assisted by the Limpopo Premier’s office.

Ravhuanzwo urged communities who find themselves in the same situation as the Mhinga community to approach the SABC. He gave the example of the community of Masisi in Mutale who are in the same situation, where a low-power transmitter will be installed next week.

The Vhembe district mayor, Cllr Tshitereke Matibe, hailed the new transmitters, saying they would make it easy for information to be accessed by the rural communities.

Ms Angie Maseko, the acting head of the stakeholders management, said Sentech was installing a computer laboratory at Madadzhe Secondary School within the Thulamela local municipality at the time. The school will be provided with 20 computers, five year VSAT internet connectivity and classroom refurbishments, which include desks and chairs.