The community of Xikukwani in Giyani, which was the host for Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale’s 49th birthday celebrations, received a boost when the premier said a borehole would be drilled in the area to ease the acute water shortage in the area.

In his welcome address at Mbhangazeki High School of the function to celebrate the premier’s birthday, Chief Xikukwani said there had been premiers before, but no one had taken the village seriously. “We appreciate your visit and it will go down in history,” said Chief Xikukwani. He added, “But we are asking for a borehole because there is a dire need for water in the area.”

The premier then addressed the community and said a borehole would be drilled “now”. He said it was the right of the people to have water and said he would talk with Mopane district executive mayor Joshua Matlou to see that this was done.

Matlou said the people of Xikukwani would have a borehole before next Friday. Before cutting the birthday cake, the premier gave uniforms to 200 learners from various schools in the area.

The learners who were from vulnerable families were identified by their teachers.