LIMPOPO Premier Cassel Mathale celebrated his birthday with the rural children of Giyani on Friday.

Mathale, who was accompanied by his wife Mokgadi, turned 49 on January 23.

Walking the talk on service delivery, Mathale opened a computer lab and classrooms with the help of Webcom Technologies at the Nkami High School in N'wadzekudzeku village.

He also went to Mbhangezeki High School in Xikukwani village, where he handed out uniforms to pupils.

The donation to Nkami High will ease the frustration of pupils who have to travel long distances to attend school even on rainy days.

The school did not perform well in last year's matric examinations because of strikes by pupils.

In his address, Mathale said: "The computers will go a long way to increasing computer literacy among the children. This will also empower them with information technology skills."

Mathale said the government was set to improve the broadband system this year so that rural schools and hospitals would have Internet access.

"We are taking these computers to children in the rural areas to show that we are serious when we talk about rural development," he said.

"The computers will also empower children from previously disadvantaged families and help bridge the digital divide among them."

Mathale was accompanied by MEC for public works George Phadagi, executive mayor of Mopani district municipality Joshua Matlou and Greater Giyani municipality mayor Dories Mathebula.