LIMPOPO – It was a day of tears, joy and homecoming at Kolokoshani Secondary School when one of its own, Shonisani Rambau (Class of 1997), handed over eight fully furnished classrooms worth R18 million to the school he once attended as a learner.

The grand opening was held on Thursday and was attended by Makhado Mayor Dorcus Mboyi, Thovhele Princess Nesengani, traditional leaders, teachers, parents and learners.

5 classrooms became 8

What was initially planned as five classrooms became eight through community partnerships.

In an emotional donor speech, Rambau, director of Shonisani Rambau Construction (SR Construction), said the donation was a thank-you to the school that helped shape him.

He told how the R18 million project came together, with finance and project manager Vusani Ramabulana of SR Construction funding the project, while Mont Consulting Engineers in Muvhango donated the architectural drawings, engineering designs and geotechnical reports.

Corobrick donated 30,000 bricks, while other contributions helped turn the five-classroom plan into eight classrooms.

A gift meant to uplift

Rambau thanked Thovhele Princess Nesengani for her guidance and for urging the community to be patient because “this was a donated contract, a gift meant to uplift everyone”.

He also thanked the project steering committee, community volunteers and local youth who protected the site from vandalism.

Blocks named in honour of principal and wife

Block one was named after his late principal, Mushavhi Thomas Mulungwa.

“To me, he did more than teach – he built people. He was a father to many of us,” said Rambau.

Block two was named Tintswalo Rambau after his wife, whom he described as “the heartbeat of my household, a pillar, a counsellor, a supporter, and a prayer warrior”.

“A school is not just bricks – it is a promise. Today will be better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today,” Rambau said.

Mayor: ‘Opening doors to opportunity’

Mboyi said the handover was more than opening buildings.

“We are gathered here today not to open new buildings, but to open doors to opportunity, dignity and a brighter future for our children,” she said.

She urged the community to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and neglect.

Lessons no longer under trees

Kolokoshani principal Aron Manenzhe thanked Rambau, saying the eight classrooms would make teaching and learning more conducive after overcrowding had forced some lessons to be conducted under trees.