A well-known Vhembe traditional leader and businessman, Thovhele Jeffrey Ramovha, endeared himself to his people when he handed over bursaries to hardworking 2013 Grade 12s as a way of encouraging the current class to emulate their predecessors.

Through the Mulenzhe Development Trust and Mulenzhe Education Trust, he also dangled a carrot before the current class when he said that he would reward everyone who passed with university exemption.

On Friday, the village was abuzz when more than 20 students, who are enrolled at different institutions of higher learning, went home with R5 000 each. The event was held at the Mulenzhe Traditional Authority offices.

The coordinator of the event, Mr Maluta Mabannda, said there were three secondary schools operating in the area, Johannes Ramavhoya, Mukhwantheli and Movhe. "These schools were not producing students with university exemption, and we felt that if we added some incentives, the results would improve.”

Ramovha, who has initiated many projects in his area as a way of uplifting his community, made available more than R120 000 to assist the pupils.

Mr Mashudu Maboho, principal of Mukhwantheli Secondary School, was named the best principal and received R5 000 and a certificate. Mr Harry Naudé, a local resident, sponsored a floating trophy, which will be presented to the best school every year.

One of the beneficiaries, Mulavhelesi Manavhela (20), who is an electrical engineering student at Tswane College, said he would make good use of the money. "The money could not have come at a better time. I am registered as a student, but we still have to pay monthly fees. We have to purchase stationery and pay transport and this money will help a lot," he said.

Ramovha said he and his council had taken a decision that there would be no child in the village who did not go school because there was no money at home. "We have set aside money for education and, in a few years, we would like to see all households having at least one professional who will be working.”