The Tshishonga Primary School, situated in Thohoyandou, had deteriorated to such an extent that even rural schools were better off.

Classes had holes in the floor and paint was peeling from the walls. The roof was leaking and the situation was not conducive to proper learning.

The school has now partly transformed after a local businessman donated funds and refurbished a whole block. Businessman James Mukwevho of Real Paints and Chemicals in Thohoyandou recently handed over the newly refurbished block to the community.

Mukwevho was accompanied by his wife, Louisa. In handing over the newly renovated block, Mukwevho said the donation was a thank you to the community of Thohoyandou, who have supported him since he started his business. Mukwevho, who ran away from school because of poverty at home, said he did not want to see children learning under the same conditions he had gone through in those years.

"We did not have uniforms in those days and we studied under trees. We are today creating a conducive environment for you here, so that you do not have any excuse for not achieving your goals,” he said. After being told that there were still some challenges at the school, Mukwevho promised to complete the other block during the school holidays.

In response, the principal of the school, Ms Joyce Thivhafuni, said the school was still faced with many challenges in terms of resources. "This is a no-fee-paying school, but we still lack many things here. What Mr Mukwevho has done for us here is a forecast of good things to come this year. Not long ago, we also received sign boards from Old Mutual, and we are also receiving uniforms for our pupils. This spells good things for our school,” she said.