TSHITALE – "When you catch an animal you bring it back home. That is exactly what Carlton Mukwevho did for Thsitale, " were the words of the current Deputy Chairperson of the SADTU (South African Democratic Teacher's Union) Tshitale branch, Mr ME Nemudzivhadi, on May 21.

Mr MS Thovhakale, Chairperson of the SADTU Thsitale branch (on the left) shakes hands with Mr Carlton Mukwevho, former Deputy Chairperson of the same branch and currently Chief Education Specialist based in Gauteng. Mr Mukwevho organised with his American friends from the University of New York to donate a computer and printer to the office of SADTU Thsitale branch. The onlookers are Mr ME Nemudzivhadi (Deputy Chairperson) and Mr PP Maremeni (Treasurer). This was said during a hand-over ceremony when the branch received a computer and printer worth R11 000 as a donation from individuals of the New York University in the USA.

Mr Carlton Mukwevho, a former Deputy Chairperson of SADTU's Tshitale branch studied for two years at the University of New York after being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship. The fact that he obtained his B.Ed. degree Cum Laude at the University of the North helped him to obtain the scholarship and he studied for a Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration in the USA from 1999. While studying there he made friends with Helen Kelly and others from the University of New York.

After Mr Mukwevho's return to the RSA in 2001, his new friends paid him a visit and he escorted them around Venda to show them the area.

"While in Louis Trichardt at a lunch hosted by the Municipal Manager, Mr Reuben Rambado, I presented a request to the Americans to donate a computer to the office at Tshitale and Helen volunteered," said Mr Mukwevho.

The plan that Mr Mukwevho would bring back the computer after his visit to the States during September 2001 of course failed due to the all too well-known 11 September attacks on the Twin Towers of the Trade Centre in New York. Fortunately, a South African Professor returned from the USA recently and the gift was sent with her.

Finally the computer, monitor, keyboard and printer reached its destination and was handed over to the Chairperson of the SADTU Thsitale branch, Mr MS Thovhakale.

"We thank our donors from America who were prepared to donate a computer to needy people. We as a branch appreciate what our former Deputy Chairperson has done for us. To Carlton we want to say many thanks and may the Lord God be with him in his new position in Gauteng," said Mr Thovhakale.

Mr Carlton Mukwevho has been appointed as Deputy Chief Education Specialist at the head office of the Department of Education in Gauteng as from January 2002.