New Sun CEO Rolls Up His Sleeves To Help Others

‘Tis the Sun International season of Festival of Giving

 Just one month into the job Sun International’s new CEO, Ulrik Bengtsson, rolled up his sleeves to personally plant herbs and vegetables into planter boxes destined for needy families in Alexandra, Rosettenville, and White City, Soweto.

Bengtsson took his place alongside 150 employees from the company’s Sandton headquarters, where they packed 200 meals, planted 50 garden boxes, and created 150 Jars of Hope, each containing enough nutritious dry ingredients to feed a family of four. The recipients were 450 families with an estimated 2 000 individuals benefitting from it.

The initiative forms part of the group’s Festival of Giving which was launched last year. It takes place in July but does not replace traditional Sun International Mandela Day activities, rather it dovetails with them by amplifying the generosity and giving that July has come to be known for.

Bengttson said, “When I learned about the initiative I asked to be included in the team so I could play my part and also make a difference. I am proud of what we achieved, and even more proud of what Sun International, as a group, has managed to do for less fortunate people and communities.”

Across the country a total of 800 staff participated in 22 Festival of Giving activations, reaching 290 000 beneficiaries with a contribution value of over R3.2 million.

Organisations that benefitted include Rise Against Hunger, supported by GrandWest, Sibaya and Windmill, and care for the elderly from Time Square and Carnival City. Wild Coast Sun, Golden Valley, Boardwalk and Flamingo worked with Early Childhood Development NPOs while Sun City made donations to House built by Manke and Meropa assisted victims of abuse.

Another beneficiary was Corinthians, a non-profit organisation that promotes sports for the visually impaired.

From a fun-filled day of soccer and netball. Thirty-five Sun International employees took to the field against 40 Corinthians team members in blind soccer and blind netball matches, to highlight the inclusive nature of these sports.

Joining the teams in a fun-filled day of soccer and netball were the group’s sporting ambassadors Pollen Ndlanya, former Bafana Bafana footballer, and Dumisani Chauke, renowned netball coach and sports ambassador.

Here’s a look at how communities in which the properties operate were impacted.

Central Office - #BeTheDifference

Sun International’s Central Office demonstrated its spirit of giving during this year’s Festival of Giving, achieving an impressive impact through collective effort, valued at R430 000. Employees created 150 Jars of Hope, packed 200 meals, and planted 50 Gardens for Giving, collectively benefitting 2 000 individuals across 450 families in Alexandra, Rosettenville, and White City, Soweto.

More than 150 employees from Sun International’s Central Office volunteered their time to enhance food security and bring hope to vulnerable communities. Contributions were donated to Meals on Wheels and the Corinthians Organisation, helping to provide both nourishment and support.

But there was more, the company further supported Corinthians, a non-profit organisation that promotes sports for the visually impaired, by hosting a fun-filled soccer and netball day. Thirty-five employees took to the field against 40 Corinthians team members in blind soccer and blind netball matches, highlighting the inclusive nature of these sports.

Sun International sporting ambassadors Pollen Ndlanya, former Bafana Bafana footballer, and Dumisani Chauke, renowned netball coach and sports ambassador, joined the event, inspiring participants and celebrating the power of teamwork and community.

“Our efforts reflect Sun International’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities, fostering inclusive sports, and making a meaningful difference,” said Edson, creator of Sun International’s annual Festival of Giving campaign.

GrandWest – Nutritious meals to feed children for a year 

GrandWest once again played a key role in Rise Against Hunger’s annual Mandela Day meal-packing initiative, contributing R64 750 to enable learners and educators from three local high schools to participate, while also waiving the Market Hall venue hire fee.

This year, 1 080 volunteers – including corporate teams from Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Good Hope FM, alongside learners and educators – packed 240 624 meals in less than five hours. These meals will feed 1 046 children for an entire year through school feeding schemes and Early Childhood Development centres nationwide.

Each pack contains rice, soya, soup mix, and a vitamin sachet, providing essential daily nutrition. Adding a creative touch, GrandWest’s executive chef Keshan Rambarun prepared meals for the volunteers using the same ingredients.

“Every year, we are proud to support this initiative that changes children’s lives,” said GrandWest general manager Mervyn Naidoo. “It’s inspiring to see so many hands come together to fight hunger.”

Then again, GrandWest’s Market Hall buzzed with energy as staff volunteers put their hands to work and their hearts into creating gifts as Sun International’s national Festival of Giving drew to a close.

The day’s activities included a Build a Bear Workshop, bracelet beading, knitting and a sandwich drive, all in aid of the Tehillah Community Centre, Elim Night shelter, and early childhood development centres and schools from Sun International’s Adopt-a-school programme.

Every bear was stuffed with love and a small heart was placed on the inside. Bears were donated to their new owners with a handwritten certificate, a GrandWest T-shirt and a paw print. Hand-beaded bracelets were wrapped up with a motivational message for high school learners, while hand-knitted balls encasing a jingle bell on the inside were created to promote automotive skills in young children.

On the day GrandWest staff also partnered with Blue Ribbon bread to make yummy peanut butter and jam, and tasty cheese and polony sandwiches which were all distributed to local communities in need.

Sibaya – Many hands make light work of packing food parcels

A team of volunteers from Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom joined forces with Rise Against Hunger for its Mandela Day community food-packing initiative – because, after all, many hands make light work.

The Sibaya team alone packed 68 boxes, which RAH calculates as over 2 400 meals – enough to feed more than 14 500 people in need.

Sibaya has a long-standing partnership with RAH, a global hunger relief organisation, and annually contributes to providing nutritious meals for vulnerable communities, with a focus on young children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. This year a R300 000 donation was made.

“The future of our country depends on the children, so it’s important they have the best start in life,” said Virath Gobrie, Sibaya’s general manager. “We understand the critical role that nutrition plays in these early years, which is why we continue to support Rise Against Hunger to make a bigger difference together.”

Early childhood is a crucial stage in human development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Proper nutrition during the first five years significantly impacts a child’s cognitive development, physical growth, and school readiness, which is why initiatives like these are vital for building stronger communities.

Windmill - Stepped up for local learners

Windmill Casino brought smiles to learners at Kgotsofalo Intermediate School with the donation of almost 300 pairs of durable, eco-friendly school shoes. Sourced from local initiative My Walk with Soul, the shoes are crafted from recycled hospital drip bags, providing a water-resistant, hardwearing, and affordable alternative to traditional school footwear.

“Congratulations to My Walk with Soul for creating this incredible initiative, turning recycled materials into durable school shoes. At just R35 per pair, we were able to help more children than we could with traditional shoes,” said Elmarie Fitzmaurice, the casino’s SHE Manager.

In addition, 48 Windmill staff teamed up with Rise Against Hunger, alongside volunteers from ABSA, Avis Car Rental, NMI, and Trinity Methodist Church, to pack 183 boxes of meals – a total of 39 630 meals. These meals are being distributed to seven local beneficiaries, including orphanages, day care centres, and disability homes: Hodisang Community Development, Paballong Home of Safety, Rowana Preamdutt-Swarts, Iponeng Daycare Centre, Ikgutseng Shelter, Phelang Disability Home, and Kgotsofalo Intermediate School.

Through these initiatives, Windmill Casino reaffirms its long-standing commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities and providing hope to the less fortunate all year round, contributing a total of R25 900 towards these efforts.

Windmill Casino has a proud seven-year history of community support through its partnership with Rise Against Hunger, packing and distributing tens of thousands of meals to vulnerable communities in Bloemfontein. Since 2018, Windmill staff has volunteered annually, contributing meals, clothing, and other essentials, with donations ranging from 8 424 meals in 2018 to more than 51 000 meals in 2019, and continued efforts every year thereafter. By 2024, the initiative had delivered more than 120 000 meals alongside blankets, toys, and winter essentials to local beneficiaries.

Time Square – Health checks and bingo for Pretoria’s senior citizens

Time Square in Pretoria recently gave back to the elderly, a group that often faces loneliness and isolation away from family and loved ones.

The Sun International property hosted five community retirement homes for a special 2025 Old Age Wellness Day, offering free health checks that included blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose testing.

A hundred senior citizens from Thokozani Aged Group, Mamelodi Old Age Home, Phumula Old Age Home, Eersterus Welsyn, and Uthando Care Project were welcomed to Time Square for a day of care and celebration. After their check-ups, the ogogo and omakhulu enjoyed a hearty buffet lunch and dessert, followed by a lively afternoon of games and live entertainment by The Jazzman + Band. Everyone went home a winner, with prizes including 37 thermos flasks, 37 mini body massagers, fruit baskets, and gift packs filled with cosy blankets, beanies, socks, Time Square branded mugs, and tasty snacks.

“We extend a heartfelt thank you to our Time Square team and our partners, Office Angels and The Flower Shop, for creating a memorable afternoon of dignity and joy for our surrounding elderly communities. We loved hearing the wise stories and words of wisdom shared by this remarkable group,” said Ruben Gooranah, the casino’s general manager. 

Carnival City – Simple acts of kindness have a lasting impact

Embracing the spirit of Ubuntu, Carnival City in Johannesburg East recently dedicated time and resources to the more than 250 senior citizens at the Society for the Care of the Aged in Boksburg.

Twenty-five Carnival City employees were warmly welcomed by manager Keneiloe Modisa and her dedicated team.

“We went to spend time with the residents and make donations, but instead, we were the ones enriched by their warmth,” said Mduduzi Madonsela, Carnival City’s SED specialist. “We were greeted with praise, worship, and a heartfelt prayer led by one of the elders.”

The visit served as a reminder that even the simplest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact and help strengthen communities through shared humanity.

During the visit, the team donated fresh linen from the hospitality department and gift bags valued at over R42 000, but according to Madonsela, the true highlight was listening to the stories and wisdom of the grannies and grandpas.

“Although our time together was short, the connections we made feel timeless,” he said. “We hope to return soon.”

Wild Coast Sun – It takes a village to raise a child(ren)

Wild Coast Sun recently rolled up its sleeves to renovate and support an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in the Eastern Cape, reaffirming its commitment to uplifting local communities.

The resort rallied its concessionaires and service providers to join the effort, with Barcelos, Kamvelo Trading, Poshy A, and Amazamluju lending their support on the day to the value of R65 000.

A dedicated team of 27 cleaned, painted, and brightened the Amadiba Crèche in the Alfred Nzo District, also donating toys to bring extra joy to the children.

The crèche continues to benefit from the ongoing support of local stakeholders, including MCPA, MDT, and the Amadiba Tribal Authority – a testament to the saying that it takes a village to raise a child – and in this case, children.

“Early childhood development is a vital foundation, as the first five years are critical for brain growth, learning, and emotional development,” said Henry Tshegetso Boekhouer, Wild Coast Sun’s general manager. “These centres equip children with the tools to succeed in school and in life, which is why we maintain our long-standing support and will continue to assist wherever possible.

Golden Valley – A little goes a long way

Golden Valley extended its support to children and families in the Worcester area through a series of donations, bringing care, nourishment, and encouragement to the community.

As part of this outreach, Julie Naude Crèche in Victoria Park, which cares for orphans and Grade R learners, received a food hamper, educational toys, and 60 party packs to brighten the children's’ day. Our Hope Pre-School Day Care Centre in Zwelethemba received a similar donation, with 90 party packs. To reach the broader community, Golden Valley also provided food parcels to the African Community Project in Avian Park, offering relief to families facing ongoing food insecurity.

Golden Valley contributed just over R13 000, a gesture warmly received by these small but impactful community organisations, whose daily efforts make a big difference in the lives of local families.

Boardwalk – Spreading love across Gqeberha with bucket donation drive

Boardwalk joined 46 stakeholders in an annual bucket donation initiative, benefiting seven local charities across Gqeberha. This year, 350 food buckets were packed and distributed to Early Childhood Development centres, old-age homes, and shelters for abused women and children, offering vital support to vulnerable community members.

Each bucket was filled with essentials such as tea, sugar, baked beans, pilchards, rice, beef stock, soup mix, tomato paste, macaroni, spaghetti, flour, yeast, biscuits, peanut butter, and jam, providing much-needed relief for the months ahead.

Boardwalk and other corporate partners, including BLC Attorneys, Fred Footwear, PWC, XL Bay Travel, Shackleton Risk, and Amobia Communications, joined hands by donating non-perishable goods and packing alongside the Boardwalk team, whose contribution alone was just over R100 000.

This long-standing annual campaign continues to grow each year and is something that the beneficiaries eagerly anticipate receiving, because the food parcels go a long way in supporting their daily needs.

Flamingo – From blood to blanket donations

Over two days, Flamingo Casino recently showed its commitment to community care with a series of heartfelt initiatives. The campaign began with a blood drive, where employees rolled up their sleeves to give the gift of life.

This was followed by donations of R40 000 worth of tracksuits and blankets to Lesedi Day Centre, groceries to Papi’s Soup Kitchen, and the distribution of soup and blankets to people sleeping on the streets.

Through these acts of kindness and the dedication of its staff, Flamingo Casino brought warmth, nourishment, and hope to those most in need.

Meropa – Small acts of kindness leave lasting ripples of change

Meropa Casino & Entertainment World may be known as the entertainment heartbeat of Limpopo, but it also demonstrated that its heart for the community beats just as strongly. This July, Meropa spearheaded two impactful initiatives that brought hope and dignity to local communities.

The first initiative saw Meropa join forces with Energy FM to support the Seshego Victim Centre, a safe haven for survivors of abuse. The casino donated R10 650 worth of essential non-perishable groceries, while 30 dedicated staff volunteers rolled up their sleeves to give the facility a fresh coat of paint, creating a more welcoming and uplifting space for those in need.

Meropa then extended its outreach to rural Bochum, where it supported UNICEF Ambassador Mama Yvonne Chaka Chaka in a heartfelt school shoe donation drive. One hundred pairs of new school shoes, valued at R20 000, were handed over to learners at Senwabarwana Primary School, giving them the confidence to step into class with pride.

“These initiatives reflect our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us,” said Martin Mafokoane, PR and Communications for Meropa.

He closed with a fitting quote from the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

Through these initiatives, Meropa continues to show that true community impact is created through small, consistent acts of kindness that leave lasting ripples of change.

Sun City - Restoring Hope, One Brick at a Time with Mankwe GAMETRACKERS

In the spirit of Ubuntu, Sun City is reaffirming its commitment to community development by building and donating three RDP houses to families in need within the surrounding communities of Moses Kotane Municipality in 2025.

On Friday, July 18, Sun City supported Mankwe GAMETRACKERS and other stakeholders, to welcome Mr Rankgasie James Pule, a 94-year-old grandfather and pensioner, to his new home. Following the grandmother's passing in 2019, the two eldest granddaughters have taken on the responsibility of caring for their grandfather and their family of eight. All under one roof are their two brothers, aged 21 and 15, who are still in school along with their own three daughters, aged 5, 3, and 2. With many mouths to feed, the family faces challenges such as food shortages and the lack of essential items. 

Mankwe GAMETRACKERS, a service provider of Sun City, nominated Mr Rankgadi and his family to be the recipient of a new house. The outdoor adventure and tourism company built the three-bedroom home featuring an open-plan lounge and kitchen. Sun City came on board to help furnish the home with beds, a lounge suite, appliances, and décor while Top Turf landscaped the garden.

“Thank you to the generous sponsors who came on board to make a massive difference to this family,” said Brett Hoppé, Sun City’s general manager. “To quote Madiba himself, ‘the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.’ Thank you, Top Turf, for creating a beautifully landscaped garden that produces food to help feed hungry mouths. Thank you, Kwa Maritane, for providing the cutlery that the family will use around the table each night. Thank you, Ivory Tree, for the bedding and wardrobes that will keep the family warm at night and tuck away their belongings. Thank you, Zimasa Travel, for dressing the family up for the big day and the reveal.”

Before the big reveal, staff from Sun City and the partners arrived early to complete the final touches to the house, which included final paint touch-ups and styling the home with the furniture and appliances.

Sun City is building the remaining two houses, which will be handed over by the end of 2025.

Sunbet Cares - Powers Coding and Robotics Drive for 5 000 North-West Learners

Also in the North West, Sunbet Cares has partnered with Aha-borwa Foundation and the Department of Education in North-west—as well as the North-west Gambling Board—to officially launch Coding and Robotics as part of the educational curriculum in the North-west district of Ngaka Modiri District. This is to be rolled-out in more than 20 schools for 2025, and possibly impact more than 5 000 learners from grade 1 to grade 10.

"Our research revealed a critical need to enhance the educational programme and curriculum in the North-West province by integrating artificial intelligence. When Aha-borwa approached us and mentioned it offers coding programmes to schools we couldn’t turn a blind eye, so we stepped in to support them,”  said Thabang Serakwana, Sunbet’s Departmental Coordinator (BEE/L&D/TAL/SED).

By introducing coding and programming skills at an early grade level, Sunbet Cares aims to empower learners with the tools necessary to actively participate in the innovative development envisioned for the province’s future. The value of the investment is R1 651 000.