A RURAL primary school at Fondwe outside Thohoyandou in Venda yesterday received a computer centre and 20 computers.

Two other schools also unveiled computer centres, given to them by the Limpopo department of education and Komatiland Forests that donated the software.

An elated principal, Tshikhudo Nevhutalu, said: "This will make a big difference because pupils will now know what computers are and the staff will also use them."

He said he was happy because his school was one of those chosen by Komatiland Forests, a company based in Nelspruit and operating in areas under the jurisdiction of the Tshivhase Traditional Council.

Tshidzivhe Primary school in the far flung area of Tshidzivhe and Khalavha Primary school also received 20 computers each.

A representative of the department, Gideon Ramulifho, hailed the donation.

"We appreciate the gesture, especially because it is given to schools in deep rural areas rather than to areas not in such dire need," Ramulifho said.

The local traditional leader, Thovhele Kennedy Tshivhase, said the Tshivhase Traditional Council and Komatiland Forests have entered into a partnership, which would materialise in a number of developmental projects in the area.

Tshivhase said since the company was operating a saw mill in the area and also has plantations there, the council would have preferred a percentage of the earnings, but they are happy to accept the donation, which is a form of development.

Parmas Chetty, senior executive for enterprise and socio-economic development at Komatiland Forests, said his company made the donations to improve the lives of children in the areas where the company operates.

"This is part of ploughing back to the community," he said.

The firm also gave 20 chairs and 20 table s to the schools.