"Our lives have changed for the better; my car boot will never serve as an office anymore," were the first words of Mr Livhuwani Manwadu, principal of Tshivhale Primary School, immediately after a staff room and an office were officially handed to him.

The school, situated at Tshivhale village outside Thohoyandou, lacks the basics like water, electricity, and also did not have a staff room and a principal’s office, until Old Mutual came to their rescue and built them an office.

Addressing staff, guests, learners and community members, the Old Mutual area manager for Thohoyandou, Giyani, Tzaneen and Phalaborwa, Mr Pfuluwani Dagada, said his company had been donating for worthy causes for a long time. He said they had built offices and provided boreholes, computers, and fences to schools and crèches. "This is our social responsibility and we will continue doing this when and where possible," he said.

He added that R20 000 is put aside every year for each employee. "I therefore encourage you to approach all our business advisors and present your business plans."

Mr Manwadu said Old Mutual was like a real father who listened to the pleas of his children. "We were stranded. When we came knocking at your door, you did not chase us away, you embraced us and listened to our cries, and we are very thankful," he said. Manwadu said when he came to the school some four years ago, the situation was pathetic as the road to the school was impassible, no water, no electricity and no office block for administrative purposes existed. ‘My car boot served as a mobile office with all school records being stored there all the time. I always dreaded the idea of my car being stolen with all the school records in the boot and this always put a lot of strain on me," he said.

SGB member Mr Nndwakhulu Mbulaheni thanked Old Mutual for their contribution towards the improvement of the lives of the most rural communities. "As rural communities, we rely on government and businesses for our development and together we have a long way to go," he said. Mbulaheni also thanked the current principal for the vision and wisdom that is leading to the development taking place at the school. "You have been here for only a short space of time but your presence has made a big difference at the school," he said.