THOHOYANDOU - It was a joyful moment for four local municipalities in the Vhembe District Municipality, when they received 50 bicycles from the National Olympic Committee of South Africa (Nocsa) at The Thohoyandou Fire Brigade last week.

The bicycles will be distributed to different rural and farm schools in the Thulamela, Makhado, Musina and Mutale Municipalities. It will help disadvantaged children, who are travelling long distances to their schools, to make their journeys easier.

The district co-ordinator of education in the Vhembe District, Mr Tshifhiwa Mukhodobwane, said the department is happy that they received the bicycles. "Some of the learners who are situated far from schools, especially in farm areas, come late every day. This donation will help them to arrive at schools on time," he said.

"We are not going to give bicycles to all schools, only where a specific need prevails. Together with our municipalities, we will identify suitable schools to receive the bicycles."