The National Lotteries Commission, through research-based funding to the South African Red Cross Society, distributes humanitarian relief parcels to families in Limpopo and Mpumalanga affected by the floods.
The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) is changing lives in Limpopo and Mpumalanga by distributing humanitarian relief parcels to households affected by the severe floods in mid-January 2026.
On 17 and 18 January, the government declared a national state of disaster after the floods claimed lives, affected 3,900 households and forced more than 400 schools to close.
As the floodwaters receded, many families were left facing hardship after losing their homes and food supplies.
Communities reached in the two provinces include
– Mpumalanga (Gert Sibande District):
Ermelo in Msukaligwa Local Municipality, Kwa-Ngema Village in Mkhondo Local Municipality, and Hluvukani in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, all in Mpumalanga’s Gert Sibande District.
“When the floodwaters receded, many families continued to face hardship after losing their homes and food supplies.”
– Limpopo (Vhembe District):
Musina Local Municipality: Tshikhundini, Madimbo, Bale, Gumbu, Tshenzhelani, Masisi, Tshivaloni, Dovho, Tshilamusi, Duluthulu, Bennde-Mutale, Mutele, Malale, Muswodi Dipeni and Gumela Village.
Chavani Village (Makhado Local Municipality).
Ha-Begwa Village (Thulamela Local Municipality).
– Limpopo (Sekhukhune District):
Mashabela Village (Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality).
More than 1,000 beneficiaries have received parcels so far, and distribution is continuing in other areas. For each family, a parcel means a meal, warmth through a cold night and the assurance that they have not been forgotten. The NLC’s funding demonstrates what lottery proceeds can achieve when they reach communities in their hour of need. Long after the floodwaters have receded, the assistance is restoring dignity and rebuilding hope.
“Through research-based funding to the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS), the NLC is returning lottery proceeds to the people who need them most through the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).”
Through research-based funding to the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS), the NLC is returning lottery proceeds to those who need them most through the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). The funding has made it possible to deliver humanitarian relief materials to families affected by the floods. In October 2026, SARCS and the NLC are working with local municipalities, government departments and provincial disaster management teams to distribute the parcels, demonstrating how partnerships can turn funding into much-needed relief.
