Pupils from the Khanyisa Combined School eased the plight of orphans at Ngove village outside Giyani by building a five-roomed house. They did so by selling sweets and biscuits to get the necessary money.

For the first time in five years, the Manganyi orphans will move out of their shack and live in a decent house. The school pupils have made a lasting difference to the lives of the five Manganyi children. Ananias (20), Khesani (19), Chris (15), Xitshembiso (12) and Mikateko (9) are all still at school.  The children were left alone after their parents passed away  between 2001 and 2007. Since then, they have been surviving by going to the local drop-in centre to get food or hand-outs from locals.

“It is our responsibility to look after those who are less fortunate," said Kuhlula Mabeza, one of the good Samaritans. He also said the pupils noticed the situation of the orphans when donating clothes and food to the drop-in centre last year.

Another pupil, Dzunani Mbiza, said after school and during break hours, pupils were selling different things with the aim of changing the lives of impoverished children. "We are proudly saying that there is another student who is doing well at the University of Limpopo because of our efforts, and she is doing her second year B Com,” she said.

The construction of the house started last December and was supposed to had finished in June this year, but because of financial constraints, they are behind schedule. “We are also appealing to members of the public to assist us with roofing, labour, cement and also few bricks, because we are anticipating to hand over the house in December,” she said.