MADOMBIDZHA - Escom Thohoyandou donated R34 408 to the Petamukanda Primary School for a water project. The official opening was held at the school premises a fortnight ago.

Community members of Madombidzha and principals of others schools attended the official opening. Eskom's social and economic advisor, Mr Shadrack Munyangane, conducted the official opening.

An educator, Ms Maria Lethole, said it was like a dream come true. She started an orchard in the permaculture system of agriculture in 1999 and her school entered the competition among other schools in the Limpopo Province. Petamukanda ended up in second place.

Last year her school became the national champions at the competition that was held in Johannesburg.

"The main problem for the school is a lack of water, but a good Samaritan in the form Escom solved our problems," she said. The acting Mayor of the Makhado Municipality Cllr NP Muladi said that education is getting more support and that is producing good results. "The government cannot work alone and other institutions can help the government to initiate development," he said.

According to Escom's social and economic advisor, Mr Shadrack Munyangane, his company was approached by many institutions, but "we cannot sponsor all of them. We decided to sponsor the disadvantage schools in the Far North Area," he said.

Other schools who received donations are Thivhilaeli Secondary, who received R10 000 and Mathule Primary received R34 408.

The principal of the Petamukanda, Ms Leah Ramusheu, welcomed the donation and said it came at the right time, when the school was facing a water crisis. "Our pupils are highly motivated and thank Escom for its financial help."