The North West Gambling Board (NWGB), in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), hosted a special Nelson Mandela Day Commemoration event at Kamohau Home Care Center in Bodibe Village. The commemoration was led by the MEC for DEDECT, Mme Bitsa Lenkopane and brought together beneficiaries, government representatives and community leaders to celebrate the spirit of giving and service.
The occasion highlighted government’s ongoing commitment to of empowering our communities in line with the ethos that “every day is Mandela Day”.
In her opening remarks, the MEC for DEDECT said “our government places senior citizens, women, children and persons with disabilities at the heart of its work. Mandela day is not just a day but a principle we must live by throughout the year. Today’s action is a continuation of the spirit of service of ensuring that no one is left behind.
The MEC officially handed over essential donations to Kamohau Home Care in Bodibe village, Iphuteng Service Club for the Aged in Verdwaal Village and Onalerona Club for the Aged in Itsoseng Village.
The donated items included garden tools, seeds, a water tank, beds, blankets, toiletries, food production equipment and sports equipment. These contributions will improve the daily living conditions of beneficiaries while also empowering them to engage in sustainable gardening and recreational activities.
MEC Lenkopane, in her address, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between government, state entities and private sector. “We are here today to reaffirm that the legacy of Tata Nelson Mandela lives on through acts of service. These donations represent not only material support but also gesture of love, care and empowerment for our most vulnerable communities,“ she said.
She assured the beneficiaries that DEDECT and other partners, including the Ditsobotla Local Municipality would work together to ensure that the center complies with relevant government legislations.
Beyond donations, DEDECT announced complementary initiatives to support the communities of Bodibe, Verdwaal and Itsoseng.
In addition, the “Matlakala ke Zaka” waste management initiative will be launched soon to promote environmentally friendly waste disposal methods, reduce burning of waste, curb air pollution and safeguard community health.
The Acting CEO Mr. Boitumelo Qalinge emphasized the importance of continuously giving back to communities through the Board’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives. “It is important for the public to gamble at licensed operations as they pay taxes and levies. The Board, as a regulator, has given licence conditions to its licensed operators to assist and invest in the communities in which they operate. These conditions are part of ensuring that the benefits of gambling extend beyond profit to social upliftment and community development” highlighted Qalinge.
Councillor Melato extended his gratitude to the department and NWGB for the initiative and reaffirmed the municipality dedication to collaborative governance. He highlighted that the initiative will eliminate illegal dumping sites mushrooming in Itsoseng and surroundings.
The Nelson Mandela Day Commemoration by the NWGB and DEDECT exemplifies the call to action to “make everyday a Mandela Day”. Through these donations and projects, the event not only brought relief to communities in need but also planted seeds of hope, dignity, and sustainable development.
ENDS
Issued by Office of the Acting Chief Executive Officer North West Gambling Board
For inquiries, contact:
Ms Lerato Mokgoje
Acting Corporate Relations Manager
Landline: (018) 384 3215 / Cellphone: +27 72 250 0929 Email: lmokgoje@nwgb.co.za / ceo@nwgb.co.za
