American boxing promoter Don King surprised pupils and their teachers at the Seona Marena High School in Soweto when he presented them with a $20 000 cheque on Thursday.
The visibly thrilled children and staff responded by bursting into a song that they had specifically composed in his honour.
”This is so wonderful. I am home — ngisekhaya,” said an elated King.
King will be the guest of honour at a five-bout bill that will be staged by Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves at Carnival City on Saturday night.
Earlier, children and staff of the school and residents of Soweto, south of Johannesburg, waited patiently outside the school gates and there was sheer jubilation when King eventually arrived.
Girls who were clad in traditional garb sang songs, while boys beat on drums.
King was escorted to the assembly in the school hall where he presented the school with books and urged children to learn.
”No matter how hard you are discriminated against, if you have education you will be able to help each other for the betterment of South Africa,” said King. ”It’s all about working together — masakhane.”
King also took time to visit the old house of former state president Nelson Mandela and the Hector Peterson Museum.
His final stop in Soweto was at Wandie’s Place in Dube where he had lunch. — Sapa