Schoemansdal Primary - Mpumalanga

While visitors flock to Mpumalanga to experience the increasingly globally illusive bush and wildlife experience in pristine reserves and natural environment, there is far more to be experienced if you just scratch beneath the surface.

History has played a defining role in shaping the destiny of this beautiful region. From the early beginnings, though the magical legends of King Solomon and Queen Sheeba, the ancient communities of Maputaland, the Boer war leaving battlefields dotting the landscape, the turbulent clashes of culture and ideology, right through to the eradication of apartheid.The rally reaches the next generation of the new South Africa.

As we drive up towards the school I hang out of the car window and keep on clicking my camera much to every ones delight. It was an amazing welcome. This one is our largest school - about 850 pupils.

 We park up the vehicles and carry the equipment and book boxes into the school, the pupils also lend a hand.

 The stage is set as the children and sponsors are introduced to each other. The marque holds the parents of which there are hundreds. Its mid afternoon and baking hot, the Mitsi dial was saying 30 degrees and I agree... Its going to be a hot one... I hasten to add its only considered as a hot one because of  the 1.5 kilo camera around my neck... without such encumbrance I normally lap up the rays.

The sponsors are entertained at first with some singing and then by traditional local dancing.. the heat wasn't a worry...especially for the master of ceremonies.. a lively old lady who's ululating was so loud it split my already battered ear drums, respect is due for her funky dancing though!

In the right hands umbrellas can do just as much damage as any spear can do.

The dancing at this school was on a different level. Apart from the physical strength and endurance required to perform in the midday sun these kids had serious attitude, fronting up to each other and stamping their bare feet in the dust. It was a magical display and a reminder to all of us of their rich culture.

 Following the incredible display of dancing, our team leader Frikkie tells the crowd know about the Rally's commitment to help the school over the next few years. His introduction as Freaky and not Frikkie draws a few wry smiles.

Thabo from READ educational Trust takes to the stage in his own inevitable manner and whoops the crowd into a frenzy... His passionate talk is about the importance of education and reading. He also gives the crowd a run down of their new equipment. He has great stage presence and before long everyone is captivated included the parents.

Some illiterate parents have been taught using the Rally story books and they are very grateful for this opportunity. Learners in town speak English and tell people they are Rally children

Our meeting with this wonderful school draws to a head with the signing and presentation of the pledge of ongoing support. The issuing of certificates in a Rally To Read award ceremony is highly appreciated because it motivates the teachers to sustain the project and they have been asked for it to be an annual event.

The finale of the day includes singing and dancing much to the crowds enjoyment.

 Pam chats to a couple of proud students and Jackie declares the Rally a great success.

 Before I leave I'm taken to the kitchens to photograph some of the fantastic staff who prepare the food. The kitchen is no larger than a normal domestic but the staff manage to cook a really delicious meal for all and feed this almost 1000 strong school. Incredible!

 Frikkie gives us a few tips on directions back to our camp for the evening and the Rally takes to the road again.

Id like to thank everyone involved this weekend for helping to create such a wonderful series of photographs and a very memorable Rally.