Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The atmosphere was electric when 20 computers were given to a far-flung rural school in Limpopo yesterday.

Pupils from Masopha High School in the Modjadjiskloof area were jubilant when South Africa's self-proclaimed King of Kwasa Kwasa, Malo-a-Botsheba, aka Steve Sefofa, arrived with the 20 computers donated by Eskom.

For most of the pupils yesterday was the first time they had used a computer. The pupils sang and danced with their teachers to show their appreciation.

"I asked Eskom for the computers because of the level of computer illiteracy at this school. Most of us see computers only on television and never get a chance to touch or operate them," said Sefofa, a popular musician in the province.

The 43-year-old celebrity said: "Life revolves around computers. Employment agencies need qualifications and experience coupled with computer literacy. Without computer knowledge, this generation won't be able to face the future," said Sefofa, who is studying grade 12 at the school.

"Children who graduate from computer schools usually find lucrative offers in the corporate world," he said.

The school principal, Ronny Morwasehla, said the gift was long overdue because the level of computer literacy was mounting at both the school and in the surrounding communities.

"Thanks to Eskom and Sefofa for their generosity," said Ndo Mangala, provincial spokesman for the Department of Education.

Mangala said the department would give one computer to each school in the province .