Elijar Mushiana and Alex Matlala

Jubilation was on everyone's face at Ntshuxeko Health Development Organisation in Giyani, Limpopo, yesterday when Mama Angel donated R5000 to the centre.

This was after Sowetan, Old Mutual and SABC opened their hearts and wallets to make a difference to the lives of ordinary South Africans through the Nation Building Programme.

Ntshuxeko is a non-governmental organisation based at Thomo village near Giyani.

Its main focus is on health development and the training of rural, disadvantaged communities.

The centre focuses on home-based care, baking, poultry, agriculture and has a drop-in centre that houses 64 orphans and vulnerable children, mostly from disadvantaged families around Giyani.

Since its inception in 1999, Ntshuxeko has depended mainly on government assistance for survival.

When Mama Angel arrived at the centre yesterday, employees and members of the community were overjoyed. They welcomed the Sowetan team with song and dance. The excitement grew even wilder when Sowetan donated R5000 to the centre.

Founder and managing director of the centre, Moses Shiviti, said the money was a godsend that separated Sowetan from other companies.

"We have waited for such a donation for many years. We have applied to countless companies for sponsorship in vain.

"We are so happy that Mama Angel and Sowetan have come to our rescue. This is like Christmas to the centre and the local community. The donation will change our lives for the better," Shiviti said.

He said the money would be used to buy groceries and clothes for the vulnerable and orphaned children from the local community who depend on the centre for their livelihood.