MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, accompanied by the Mahikeng Local Municipality Executive Mayor Tshepiso Mphehlo, NWGB Acting CEO Boitumelo Qalinge, and officials from the department and gambling board, officiated the handover of donations to Sebopiwa Molema Secondary, Phakisang Primary School, and Legae Motheo Child and Youth Care Centre as part of her Nelson Mandela Month and 100 Days Programme.
These much-needed essentials were pledged by the North West Gambling Board last week during the Departmental Nelson Mandela Day celebration and MEC’s 100 Days Programme Launch at the Mmabatho Convention Centre.
Legae Motheo Child and Youth Care Centre, an NPO serving destitute, vulnerable, abandoned, neglected, exploited, abused, and orphaned children from 0-18 years old, received groceries, heaters, mattresses, mattress covers, ironing boards, pots, duvet covers, TV screens, and other electrical equipment. This donation was made possible by the contributions from NWGB and its licensees. Additionally, NWGB officials and local community members dedicated their 67 minutes of service to cleaning the centre premises, replacing old doors, worn-out tapeiti floor stickers, broken windows, and cooking for the children, among other activities.
Phakisang Primary in Ottoshoop received a donation of a projector, printers, a signage board, 50 Grade R chairs, and 25 tables whilst Sebopiwa Molema Secondary in Signal Hill Village received 5 desktops, 5 sewing machines, a projector, and 2 printers.
In her remarks, MEC Lenkopane indicated that these donations resulted from levies from licensed gambling outlets, emphasizing the importance of supporting licensed gambling outlets which are able to donate to the needy through their Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The MEC also encouraged school learners and community members to stay away from illegal gambling machines found in tuck shops and to report them to the NWGB, as they promote underage gambling.
Addressing the principals, MEC Lenkopane expressed her fulfilment that her department could assist through its agency, NWGB. She further encouraged other South Africans to donate to schools, NPOs, and NGOs, emphasizing that Mandala Month calls for everyone to embody the true spirit of Mandela and contribute to a good cause.
