The MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, says the true legacy of Nelson Mandela lies not only in acts of charity, but in restoring human dignity, rebuilding hope and creating sustainable partnerships that leave a lasting impact on communities.
As part of the Department’s Nelson Mandela Month programme, MEC Lenkopane led two impactful community outreach initiatives in the Kagisano Molopo and Ratlou Local Municipalities, mobilising government entities, the private sector, traditional leadership, local businesses and communities to improve the lives of vulnerable residents through meaningful acts of service. In Kgokgole Village, Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, MEC Lenkopane visited the Mokae family, whose home was destroyed by a devastating fire on 5 July 2026, leaving five family members, including a 72-year-old grandmother and a two-year-old toddler, without shelter.
The tragedy could have claimed lives when the fire broke out while the toddler was inside the house. Thanks to the family’s quick response, the child was rescued moments before the roof collapsed. Although the family lost almost all their belongings, no lives were lost. The cause of the fire is believed to be an electrical fault, which remains under investigation by Eskom. Responding to the family’s plight, MEC Lenkopane mobilised an unprecedented partnership involving departmental entities, gambling operator licensees, liquor trader licensees, private sector partners, community members, traditional leadership and DEDECT officials to provide immediate humanitarian relief and restore the family’s dignity.
Accompanied by Kgosi Kanono of Kgokgole Village and North West Gambling Board Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Boitumelo Qalinge, the MEC handed over essential relief items, including grocery hampers, school uniforms, stationery, household necessities and kitchen electrical appliances. The MEC also made a personal contribution towards assisting the family. Beyond immediate relief, construction of a new two-bedroom house has officially commenced, symbolising the restoration of hope and dignity. The rebuilding project has already attracted significant support from stakeholders.
The North West Gambling Board donated a R25 000 DIY Superstore voucher, while the North West Development Corporation contributed a R5 000 Cashbuild voucher. Local liquor traders, including Ultra Liquor Vryburg, Nola’s Pub and Blue Bottle Liquor Store in Mmabatho, collectively donated DIY vouchers valued at R8 000. Sun City Resort donated kitchen electrical appliances and committed to providing additional household furniture once construction is completed.
The local community also rallied behind the initiative by donating clothing, blankets and household items. SM Construction volunteered machinery and labour to clear the property, while Moketsa Logistics and Projects partnered with community volunteers to source sand required for the construction process.
The North West Parks and Tourism Board, liquor trader stakeholders, the DEDECT Head of Department and Chief Executive Officers of departmental entities further pledged support to ensure the successful completion and furnishing of the family’s new home. The Department will also engage the Departments of Social Development and Home Affairs to assist the family with trauma counselling and the replacement of identity documents and other essential records destroyed in the fire.
Continuing the spirit of Mandela Month, MEC Lenkopane, together with Mr Boitumelo Qalinge, Chief Executive Officer of the North West Gambling Board, officials from
DEDECT and its entities, dedicated 67 minutes of selfless service to the people of Khunwana Village in the Ratlou Local Municipality.
Working closely with the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro Traditional Council, the Seipelaele Service Club for the Elderly and Thari ya Tshepe Early Learning Centre, the delegation demonstrated that service to communities remains central to building a caring and inclusive society.
At the Seipelaele Service Club for the Elderly, the MEC led tree-planting activities, painted houses and donated gardening tools, blankets, 200 indigenous trees and 90 Spekboom plants. The centre, which serves 34 elderly members, will benefit from improved food gardens and a greener environment while promoting environmental sustainability. At Thari ya Tshepe Early Learning Centre, the MEC joined officials in refurbishing the children’s playground and planting trees to create a safer, greener and more nurturing learning environment.
Through the Department’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), community beneficiaries also received gardening and cleaning equipment, including 30 pick-up thorns, 30 pairs of gloves, five packs of 20 dust masks and refuse bags, strengthening local environmental management initiatives. To further advance environmental conservation, the Department donated 60 Wild Olive trees to schools, churches, the local clinic and community institutions across Khunwana Village.
Earlier in the day, MEC Lenkopane, departmental officials and members of the Traditional Council paid tribute to the late Dikago Thebe by cleaning his gravesite on the anniversary of his passing. The symbolic act honoured the legacy of the young activist and politician, whose contribution to the Fees Must Fall movement continues to inspire young people committed to social justice and community activism. It also served as a reminder that Mandela Month is about remembering those who dedicated their lives to serving others and advancing positive social change.
“The overwhelming support shown by government, business, traditional leadership and ordinary community members demonstrates that Ubuntu remains alive. Mandela taught us that our greatest responsibility is to serve others, restore dignity where it has been lost and leave every community better than we found it. Together we are not only rebuilding houses, planting trees or donating equipment; we are rebuilding hope, restoring human dignity and empowering communities through partnerships that will continue to make a lasting difference”, says the MEC.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
072 333 0325
Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect