Lottery Operator Gifts Homes to Families in Need
ITHUBA, the private operator of South Africa’s National Lottery, gifted houses to several families in need last December.
The move marked the start of a nationwide housing project aimed at providing shelter for disadvantaged community members across the country.
The first beneficiaries were located in Gauteng, Free State and Eastern Cape provinces. They included single mother Dineo Sithole from Johannesburg North, 84-year old pensioner Letia Dijane from Koppies in the Free State, and the Ngxilwana family from the Eastern Cape. All recipients had been living in inadequate shelter prior.
While framing the initiative around “fostering joy, independence and dignity,” some critics argue the lottery operator stands to gain publicity and goodwill. This while the National Lottery continues to face backlash regarding distribution of funds to good causes.
The homes form part of ITHUBA’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
CEO Charmaine Mabuza encourages South Africans to give back through established charities or local organisations. She touts the company’s ethos of ‘Ubuntu’ and commitment to driving change.
ITHUBA plans to gift houses to additional families in need this year. The project aligns with government’s housing policies, though relies heavily on private sector support. With over 2.2 million households living in informal settlements, quality public housing remains out of reach for many South Africans.
