Christmas arrived early for the residents of Muledane when Chief Jerry Tshikororo surprised his people by he handing over uniforms to school children.

The event took place on Sunday, when the funeral of political icon and South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, was progressing. "Madiba loved children and always encouraged education. We felt that, as we did not have the chance to go and bury him in Qunu, we could still do something and start propagating his legacy in line with his vision of showing love and encouraging children.”

Tshikororo said he was trying to build the self-esteem of the children, some of whom look down upon themselves because they cannot afford school uniforms. "Children are the future of this country and we encourage them that, irrespective of their background, they can still achieve their dreams,” he added.

He indicated that they are also planning bursaries for disadvantaged children. “No child should have an excuse of not going to school because there is no money. With the help of our sponsors, who have shown willingness to help, we will attain this dream," added Tshikororo.

One of the recipients, Rendani Mudau, a pupil at Dimani Secondary School, said she was surprised and excited. “The chief so serious about education. We used to know traditional leaders who always wanted gifts from their subjects and did not give back to them. We are very motivated," she said.