By Barry Bateman
It has been more than 30 years since Tim Modise left the gates of the Agisanang Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa, outside Pretoria. On Monday, the school was renamed after the popular 702 Talk Radio presenter.
Dressed in colourful traditional garb, schoolchildren sang and danced for the man who has taken the school under his wing as part of the Tim Modise Foundation.
Smiles and laughter were the order of the day as the crowd, which included Education Minister Naledi Pandor, were entertained.
"We have received an important diamond: Modise, Modise," sang the school's boys' choir, thanking Modise for his contribution - a R50 000 cheque for development.
Principal Dorothy Mathibedi explained that Agisanang meant "come together".
"The community of Zone 6 came together with the purpose of providing an education for a brighter future, and for 35 years we have brought the community together," she said.
"Tim takes a keen interest in this school and is a role-model for the learners. We promise to continue to strive to succeed."
Modise, who met some of his ex-schoolmates, said: "I've received many awards and accolades, and it's wonderful when people appreciate what you do.
"At my age, and where I am in my career, this is completely unexpected. This tells me that the best favour anybody can do is to serve the people.
"The wheel has turned full circle. Over 30 years ago I was a learner at this school and 25 years ago I started at 702.
"This school played a significant role in my development - it gave me my grounding. I learnt loyalty, appreciation and respect for other people."
Modise's former teacher, Gilbert Khomo, who has been teaching at the school for 32 years, said the young Modise was hyperactive and innovative.
"He was ready to learn but would resent it if he didn't agree with you on an issue. Tim was constructively argumentative, which showed an element of leadership. He was good in English and mathematics," he added.
Modise said it was clear that the school needed more than what he pledged. "The school needs more reading and learning material, as well as a library. It needs to be beautified in one way or another, and the perimeter fencing needs to be fixed.
"We need to encourage a culture of recognition of a child's excellence, as well as of teachers who do a wonderful job."
Reitumetse Letsoalo, 10, a pupil at the school, said: "I am happy with the name change because we are all going to benefit from it."