More in common than sets us apart

SOUTH Africans from all walks of life are celebrating their heritage throughout September, a reminder that we have more in common than what sets us apart.

ITHUBA chief executive, Charmaine Mabuza, says Ubuntu is central to South African culture, and these values drive and define the national lottery operator ITHUBA, a name that roughly translates to “opportunity”.

“Recognised for its community-oriented projects, ITHUBA'S approach to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) centres on the values of empowerment and sustainability.

“Through our CSI programmes, we continue to provide long-term sustainability solutions for the communities within which we operate, with great emphasis on developing opportunities for both women and youth, highlighting that CSI is imperative for socio-economic development.”

Mabuza said ITHUBA has several programmes in place, such as the ITHUBA Female Retailer Development Programme: a unique women empowerment programme that helps over 100 female retailers develop, train and upskill ladies to improve their business skills. Another long-standing flagship CSI project is the ITHUBA Scholarship Foundation, assisting young people from previously disadvantaged areas in pursuing tertiary studies.

The organisation also houses a Youth Enterprise Development Programme, designed for aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years. The ITHUBA Graduate Programme is an annual youth employment initiative that places young people in various departments in the company through a 12-month internship programme.

She says the operator has been involved in extended food drives across the country for several years, providing basic necessities and food parcel donations to communities in dire need.

“During the recent flood disaster in Kwazulu-natal, ITHUBA commissioned the erection of boreholes that provide safe and clean water and helped provide sanitation to affected parts of the province. Months after the disaster, those local communities continue to benefit from massive progress and changes. ITHUBA has also built a sizeable number of houses for the destitute in both Mpumalanga and KZN provinces.”

Mabuza said South Africa is undergoing massive societal transformations, exploring and understanding the implications of true Ubuntu.

“Giving back plays a part in our celebration of Heritage Month.“Mabuza feels that this month is a time for South Africans to meditate on the importance of unity.

“So much of the world is currently pitting one against the other. The message and symbolism of South Africa is that we overcome adversity together. It’s not easy to achieve, and there are many big hurdles to overcome. But our living past reminds us how we are stronger as a nation when we help each other.”

She says ITHUBA will continue to drive a strong corporate culture of Ubuntu.

“By promoting, monitoring and adopting sustainable socio-economic initiatives within the country, ITHUBA will enable innovation, grow opportunities and be able to continue investing in education and mentorship to benefit and inspire our current and future generations."