KHANYISA Combined School pupils have eased the plight of orphans at Ngove village outside Giyani by building a five-roomed house for them - paid for by selling sweets, chips, biscuits and so on.

The Angels of Mercy have made a lasting difference to the lives of five Manganyi children: Ananias, 20, Khesani, 19, Chris, 15, Xitshembiso, 12, and Mikateko,9, who are all still at school.

The children were left alone when their parents passed away between 2001 and 2007. Since then they have survived by going to the local Drop Centre to get food or handouts from locals.

"As children it is our responsibility to look out for those who are less fortunate, so that one day they can also change the world to be a better place," Kuhlula Mabeza said.

The pupils noticed the plight of the Manganyi s at Ngove Drop Centre, when donating clothes and food last year.

"After that (seeing them at the centre) we sent our teacher, Makhanani Bilankulu, (to see where they lived). He reported to us that the shack they were living in was dilapidated," he said.

Another pupil, Dzunani Mbiza, explained that after school and during break time pupils at the school sell sweets, chips and so on with the aim of changing the lives of impoverished children.

"We are proud to say 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 in B Com," she said.

The house was started last year in December and was supposed to be finished in June but financial constraints made it impossible for them to complete it.

"We appeal to members of the public to assist us with roofing, labour, cement and also a few bricks because we anticipate handing over the house in December," she said.

Maria Tinyiko Rikhotso of Ngove Drop Centre said she was blown away by the efforts of these pupils. Ananias, one of the recipients of the house, said he never thought his family would receive a house.