As part of the Nelson Mandela Month 67 Minutes initiative, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), together with Sun International’s Sun City Resort, government departments, private sector partners and community stakeholders, today handed over two newly built and fully furnished houses to vulnerable families in Ledig, Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
The handover was led by MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane; Kgosi Monnakgotla of the Bakubung Traditional Council; Moses Kotane Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Nketu Nkotswe; DEDECT Head of Department, Mr Relebohile Mofokane; Head of Department for Human Settlements, Ms Kgomotso Mahlobo; Sun City Resort Sustainability Manager, Mr Tebogo Mokgejane; and representatives from partner organisations.
The beneficiaries are the Singini family, a child-headed household comprising two orphaned brothers, one of whom is in Grade 11 while the other is unemployed, and the Malefo family, a household of 11 family members, all currently unemployed.
More than the provision of shelter, the initiative represents a collective effort to restore dignity, strengthen social cohesion and create pathways towards a better future for families facing severe socio-economic challenges.
Addressing community members and beneficiaries during the handover, MEC Bitsa Lenkopane described the initiative as a powerful example of how partnerships can be
leveraged to improve lives and ensure that development reaches those who need it most.
“Today, we are not merely handing over houses; we are restoring dignity, renewing hope, and showcasing the impact of unified action across government, industry, and the public toward a shared objective. This partnership with Sun City Resort reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that economic development delivers meaningful and lasting benefits to ordinary citizens,” said Lenkopane.
The MEC further highlighted that the handover gives practical expression to commitments made during the 2026/27 DEDECT Budget Vote.
“We committed during the Budget Vote that the obligations arising from licensing conditions and corporate social responsibility programmes must translate into tangible development outcomes for our people. These commitments should not simply fulfil regulatory requirements; they must become instruments for reducing poverty, creating opportunities, addressing inequality, and restoring dignity.
“Today’s handover is a practical demonstration of that commitment. It shows that when the government creates the right policy environment and the private sector embraces its social responsibility, communities become the true beneficiaries of development. This is the spirit that Nelson Mandela embodied, a spirit of service, compassion, and action that changes lives for the better,” she said.
Lenkopane added that the government alone cannot overcome all social and economic challenges and that sustainable development requires active participation from all sectors of society.
“Today’s handover demonstrates the power of partnerships and reminds us that the true legacy of Nelson Mandela lies in our ability to work together to build stronger, more resilient and caring communities,” she added.
For the beneficiaries, the occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kopano Singini, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support from all stakeholders.
“This feels unreal. We never imagined that one day we would receive such support. The house, furniture, groceries, and all the assistance we have received have truly warmed our hearts. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible. Today gives us hope for a better future,” said Singini.
The project brought together a range of partners who contributed towards the construction and furnishing of the homes, landscaping, household gardens to promote food security, electrical installations, plumbing services, and cleaning support. Sun City Resort coordinated the initiative and contributed towards the construction, furniture, linen, blankets, and groceries for the families.
Speaking during the handover, Sun City Resort Sustainability Manager, Mr Tebogo Mokgejane, said the initiative reflects the resort’s commitment to social responsibility and community development. “From our hands, brick by brick, we are building a legacy. Through social responsibility and social cohesion, we want these families to know that we see them, we care, and we share their hope. This initiative was identified and driven by Sun City employees who reside in Ledig and wanted to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable families within their own community. It is about restoring dignity, spreading love, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Mokgejane.
He added that Sun City employees played a critical role in identifying deserving families whose circumstances required urgent intervention.
Importantly, the initiative extends beyond the provision of housing by creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, skills development, and long-term support.
Mankwe Orbit College has committed to assessing family members for possible enrolment into selected courses at no cost, including access to stipends where applicable. Private sector partners, including Tsebo Pty (Ltd), Top Turf, and the South African Mining and Construction Association (SAMCA), have pledged various forms of support, including skills opportunities, school uniforms, a financial contribution of R20 000 and gardening maintenance for three months. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will provide gardening aftercare support, SSG will continue providing cleaning services, and Mankwe Tours has committed to supplying groceries for two months.
DEDECT will assist young people within the two families with business registration as well as provision of machinery to young people who shown interest in providing garden service to the neighbouring communities whilst the other is in hair and cosmetic services. Through this, we aim to foster entrepreneurship and equip families to achieve economic independence.
The event concluded with the symbolic handover of the houses, furniture, groceries and household essentials to the Singini and Malefo families, marking not only the delivery of homes, but the beginning of renewed hope, dignity, and opportunity.
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