ITHUBA, South Africa’s national lottery operator, is proud to showcase its second national housing initiative. As part of the outreach efforts for 2023, ITHUBA embarked on a multi-provincial roadshow over the festive season at the start of this December , handing out keys to 20 new homeowners.
Journey to this point
ITHUBA’s journey has been a fulfilling and exciting one to watch since its tenure as the national lottery operator started in 2015. Having successfully reinvigorated the national lottery, ITHUBA has continued to display transparency and tenacity, going from strength to strength, solidifying its position as the top operator in Africa. From humble beginnings to extraordinary success, the ITHUBA journey is a remarkable tale of innovation, excellence, and philanthropy.
The undeniable force of Ubuntu lives strong in the ITHUBA company values. It is the driving force behind their Corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives, with their CEO Charmaine Mabuza always looking for innovative ways in which the company can localise their initiatives to have a measurable impact. Passionate about playing a part in ensuring that more South Africans have a home to call their own, Mabuza says, “Addressing the housing crisis is of paramount importance to us at ITHUBA we firmly believe that providing families with secure housing lays the foundation for their future success and well-being.”
ITHUBA has long played a role in addressing the housing crisis, starting with an internal housing project for staff members in need before moving their focus towards larger housing projects. In December 2022, ITHUBA provided newly built homes for several families who had lost their homes due to unforeseen tragedies and widespread water-ravaged disasters, such as in KwaZulu Natal. In 2023, ITHUBA decided to give away more homes to those who need them the most and make the festive season a greater reason to celebrate. For the houses handed over in December, ITHUBA partnered with Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) to provide homes for beneficiaries who are differently abled.
These beneficiaries now finally have access to facilities that make their lives unimaginably easier, such as Harold Ntsoto, a paraplegic who has been wheelchair-bound for the past 32 years. Due to Ntsoto’s situation, he needs easy access and his own bathroom in his new home. His excitement is palpable, “I feel so fortunate to have been chosen by ITHUBA to receive a new home. I will forever be grateful to them for the gift of dignity.”
Starting in Gauteng, ITHUBA travelled across the country, handing over new homes and paving the way forward for lasting change and spreading the festive cheer. A home is more than simply a shelter, but rather a place where dreams can transform into reality, changing the future of the individuals receiving the homes and future generations to come.
ITHUBA took special care to ensure that these homes cater for the beneficiaries’ unique needs, with Mabuza drawing on her experience as a mother. She emphatically believes that a solid home foundation provides the nurturing environment children need to thrive.
“Every person deserves to have a roof over their head and a place they can call home. This is a big challenge for South Africans but one I believe we can overcome if we work together. At ITHUBA, we want to show people we are committed to improving their lives. We want to live the saying, ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ – a person is a person because of other people. This proverb is a core value of my organisation and to me personally. Our roadshow took a few steps towards that vision of a better society. Every journey starts with just a few steps, and we plan to take several more until the people most in need can enjoy the sense and safety of a home,” says Mrs Mabuza.
ITHUBA encourages all South Africans to take the opportunity to pay it forward in 2024 no matter how big or small their contribution is. “It is inspiring to see the positive impact our initiatives have on the lives of the beneficiaries. My advice to fellow South Africans is to recognise the power each individual has to make a difference.”
ABOUT ITHUBA
ITHUBA Holdings Proprietary “(RF) is the official operator of the National Lottery in South Africa. Operating since 2015, ITHUBA has been living up to their mandate to revitalise the lottery by optimising the customer experience, transparent operations, and positive social contributions.
ITHUBA intends to proactively contribute to ongoing socio-economic development through their excellence in gaming, making their impact felt by those in need. ITHUBA is determined to uphold the ethical and efficient operation of the National Lottery, setting the benchmark for Lottery operations in South Africa and beyond.
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- For media enquiries Kamogelo Aphane Email: KamogeloA@ithubalottery.co.za
