AN English teacher at Mpandeli High School in Tshifudi, outside Thohoyandou, was the toast of the community yesterday when Avusa - who owns Sowetan among other assets - donated 347 books towards a mini-library as part of the Avusa's Mini-Library Competition.

Both the staff and members of the governing body, had glowing words to for Eric Munyai, who had entered the competition on behalf of the school.

Avusa education coordinator Phanuel Mnguni said the company was impressed with the motivation by Munyai and that is why the school won.

Mnguni said the competition was aimed at inculcating the culture of reading in schools and he expected them to read the books provided.

School principal Reckson Netshambidi thanked Avusa for the competition and also the teacher for his innovation.

Deputy principal Hasani Matsilele and school governing body chairman Thomas Madzhuta also praised the teacher.

Madzhuta said the library would make a difference.

"It is now on record that the school, whicht was started in 1978, had no library until one of its teachers read about a competition in a newspaper, entered it and won," Madzhuta said.