ITHUBA honoured for South African socio-economic development initiatives

ITHUBA, the operator of the National Lottery of South Africa, has been recognised at the Top Empowerment Awards for its efforts in creating socio-economic development in the country
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ITHUBA, the operator of the National Lottery of South Africa, has been recognised at the Top Empowerment Awards for its efforts in creating socio-economic development in the country. 

Named in the Top Empowered Company category, ITHUBA was awarded for ‘its significant contributions to the socio-economic betterment of communities’ that are often marginalised. 

The Top Empowerment Awards honours businesses that lead transformation and operate in a ‘socially-charged’ manner, demonstrating ‘innovative leadership’.

South Africa Lottery National Lottery funding education

A WLA member, South Africa’s lottery operator has shown its socially responsible operations via its ITHUBA Bursary Programme, which uses lottery funds to help students from rural areas fulfil their academic aspirations.

Furthermore, its Enterprise and Supplier Development programme has helped to provide funds to small and medium enterprises through difficult periods, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The programme helped some of the recipients pay their staff’s salaries for six months.

Charmaine Mabuza, CEO of the lottery, commented: “It is such an honour to accept this accolade on behalf of ITHUBA, we did not expect it.

“ITHUBA believes that for big business to make a difference in the country and for the people who live in it, they must carry their moral obligation high on the shoulders of their organisation’s priorities, and put their best foot forward to quickly respond to the needs of the country.”

Creating opportunities for women

As well as supporting students and businesses, ITHUBA was recognised for its work in helping women find a place in business. Most of the ESD programme funds went to helping female and black-owned businesses that couldn’t afford to pay their staff’s salaries. 

Moreover, the lottery’s executive leadership is over 60% female, owing to its ‘human-centric’ approach.

Mabuza added: “At ITHUBA, we insist on implementing women empowerment programmes that are impactful and measurable. If South Africa is to thrive economically then deliberate policies need to be put in place to support the economic participation of women.”