The public healthcare system in South Africa faces constant challenges, struggling with insufficient funding, a lack of staff, and overwhelming demand. These issues are prevalent across all provinces, and children are often the most affected by the strain. However, over the past 16 years, the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust has been working tirelessly to address these challenges. With the support of its partners and generous donors, the Trust has significantly impacted healthcare for children by constructing paediatric wards, specialised burns units, and providing essential medical equipment to hospitals nationwide.
In its ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access for children, the Trust - in collaboration with various partners - recently unveiled a groundbreaking project. This week marked the opening of a state-of-the-art Paediatric Emergency Unit at Sebokeng Hospital in Gauteng. This milestone represents the Trust’s third major contribution to the facility and is a testament to its dedication to transforming paediatric care. The new emergency unit is uniquely designed to provide advanced, life-saving care for young patients, ensuring that thousands of children receive the treatment they urgently need.
This initiative is not only a lifeline for the children who will benefit from the improved care but also a tremendous boost for the hospital staff. The dedicated doctors and nurses at Sebokeng Hospital now have access to cutting-edge resources that will empower them to deliver high-quality medical attention. The collaboration between the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust, MultiChoice, and other supporters exemplifies how collective efforts can bring about transformative change in the healthcare system, particularly for society’s most vulnerable members.
Here's a word from some of our donors. Thank to each and every one that contributed and made this project possible. We are forever grateful.
LOTTOSTAR
LottoStar is proud to announce its partnership with the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust to establish the first dedicated Paediatric Emergency Unit at Sebokeng Hospital. This groundbreaking facility addresses a critical need in the community by providing immediate specialised care for children presenting with health-related crises.
Before the unit’s construction, Sebokeng Hospital lacked a dedicated facility to treat young emergency patients, requiring them to receive care in the Adult ER. The new unit offers paediatric-focused medical equipment and care from specialised doctors trained to meet children's unique medical needs. The facility will serve at least 2,500 to 3,000 children per year.
Thanks to the dedication and unwavering support of LottoStar and the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust, this project reached successful completion after three years of careful planning and construction. LottoStar was the principal donor, with the funds going towards both the construction and equipping of the facility.
Tasoula Hadjigeorgiou, CEO of LottoStar, shared:
"We are pleased that children in Sebokeng and surrounding areas will now be able to receive the specialised care they need. This Emergency Unit represents hope, healing, and a brighter future for the children in this community.
LottoStar’s collaboration with the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust reflects our ongoing commitment to social impact initiatives, affirming that charity is a privilege, not an obligation. The new paediatric trauma unit stands as a testament to the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change."
A huge thank you to LottoStar’s loyal players for their support. This wouldn’t have been possible without you.
POLYFLOR SA
Polyflor SA is the leading supplier of premium-quality vinyl flooring and wall protection solutions for the South African and African markets. With over 30 years of experience, we take pride in providing hospitals and healthcare facilities with specialised solutions and unwavering support. Our solid reputation, ethical approach, and professional team are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and quality products. We believe in creating healthcare spaces that are not only functional and safe but also welcoming and inspiring. We are passionate about doing it right, ensuring successful outcomes and giving back to a community that has supported us so wholeheartedly.
We believe in the future of this country and are dedicated to shaping a better future for our people. We are committed to doing everything we can to upgrade, upskill, enable, and improve, and we are privileged to have been able to support the Carte Blanche MAD Trust since its inception. We were very excited to once again partner with the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust on the Sebokeng project and to make a lasting and tangible difference in communities where it is most needed.
PRESIDENT HYPER
As suppliers of a broad range of products to the families of Fochville, Carletonville, the Vaal Triangle, and the West Rand, the President Hyper stores have built meaningful relationships within these communities over several decades. We are pleased to have contributed towards the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust’s Sebokeng Hospital Paediatric Trauma Unit Project, as the values of this initiative are aligned with our ethos of care, always.
FRANKE
Franke South Africa is proud to celebrate the handover of the Sebokeng Hospital Paediatric ER Unit with the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust.
We began working on this project after receiving an official billing request from the ever-gracious Karolina in January this year. Teams and individuals from nearly every department at Franke have wholeheartedly contributed and collaborated to ensure that products were manufactured and delivered on spec and on schedule. Any project of this kind comes with its challenges, but we tackled them with a winning spirit to deliver solutions.
“Our Franke brand has a reputation for quality within the construction industry, and an even stronger reputation attributed to our people. Our vision is to transform today’s changes and challenges into opportunities to shape a better living. We place great importance on people and creating a positive impact beyond company lines towards the community, society, and the planet. The work done by CBMADT aligns with our values, and this is what motivates us to go the extra mile for requests from CBMADT,” commented Chris Rothmann, FSA Marketing Manager.
This project has been close to our hearts from start to finish. We are deeply grateful to Franke’s decision-makers for approving support for this cause, and we are truly impressed by CBMADT’s unwavering determination to deliver world-class facilities to hospitals where they are desperately needed. We recognise the profound impact this new facility will have on the Sebokeng community, and we applaud the remarkable work that has gone into making it a reality.
HOSPITAL DESIGN GROUP
At HDG—Hospital Design Group, our commitment to healthcare extends beyond providing architectural solutions; it is also about utilising our expertise to create a positive impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our society – our children. We are proud to have collaborated with the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust as their principal architects throughout all of their major projects.
This occasion celebrates the handover of the Sebokeng Hospital Paediatric ER Unit. The project represents not just a physical structure but a transformative space tailored specifically for the unique needs of children. The ER Unit provides for receiving children in some of the most critical moments of their lives, ultimately determining their survival.
Central to HDG’s design philosophy is addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of treatment for young patients and the impact thereof on their attendant family members. Despite the extensive list of clinical services to be included in the facility, the footprint of the available land to develop the Paediatric ER is small and tightly positioned between existing hospital wards and corridors. To counter these inherent limitations, HDG employed strategies such as maximising volumes throughout the facility and incorporating a complex ceiling design to house skylights, which provide natural light and tone. Whilst rigorous attention was given to providing ample space for the medical teams to manage critical situations, intimate containment spaces for moments of trauma have also been included, all the while integrating complex colour palettes on the walls and floors with whimsical elements of artwork.
Ultimately, the collaboration between HDG and the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust to develop this paediatric facility embodies our belief that healthcare design should prioritise the experience of the patient as much as its functionality.
At HDG, we understand that the health of our children is paramount, and through this Paediatric ER project at Sebokeng Hospital, we reaffirm our dedication to making a meaningful difference.
SAKHIWO
Sakhiwo Infrastructure Solutions, a leading turnkey service provider in health infrastructure, is committed to excellence in the design and implementation of high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. We deliver comprehensive services, from infrastructure development to commissioning and facility maintenance management.
As the Principal Agent for this project, Sakhiwo provided comprehensive services, including health planning, health technology management, and commissioning. With a partnership spanning over 12 years with the Trust, Sakhiwo has consistently delivered state-of-the-art facilities and touched many lives.
Sakhiwo’s continued involvement with the Trust reflects our dedication to building functional facilities that create a healing environment for paediatric patients while providing an enabling working environment for the staff.
Our goal was to establish a facility that the community of Sebokeng and surrounding areas will be proud of, where parents can be confident that their little ones are in capable hands and a well-resourced facility.
We are motivated by the fact that our contribution allows everyone to live in good health and promotes the wellbeing of all ages, particularly the young ones.
“Let’s Build Health”
DULUX
"It is a privilege to participate in the creation of the Paediatric Emergency Unit of the Sebokeng Hospital as initiated by the Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust. Our hope is that this donation of just under 1,000 litres of paint will play a role in adding colour to people’s lives and contribute to a more positive and healing environment for the children in need of treatment and care," said Nathalie Sweeney, Marketing Director at Dulux Sub-Sahara Africa.
SIGNS WITH IMPACT
Signs with Impact, a leader in signage and branding, is proud to announce its sponsorship of signage at the new Paediatric Unit at Sebokeng Hospital, enhancing the visibility and experience of attendees and patients. As part of this sponsorship, high-quality signage has been provided throughout the facility to help guide, inform, and enrich the overall experience for everyone visiting.
“At Signs with Impact, we are committed to supporting local communities that align with our values of innovation, engagement, and sustainability,” said Stefan du Plessis, owner of Signs with Impact. “Sponsoring the signage at the new Paediatric Unit at Sebokeng Hospital gives us the opportunity to help others in need.” Sean McIntyre, Sales Representative of Signs with Impact, added, “We wanted to be part of this massive achievement that Carte Blanche made possible through the Making a Difference Trust,” also saying, “It makes us proud knowing we were a part of it.”
For more information about Signs with Impact, please visit www.decals.co.za.
About Signs with Impact:
Signs with Impact is a leader in the signage and branding industry, specialising in all types of signage, including vehicle branding. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, professionalism, and perfection, Signs with Impact strives to make a positive impact on all its customers' branding and signage needs.
RCA
RCA is deeply committed to advancing healthcare by making high-quality medical solutions accessible and improving patient outcomes. Providing state-of-the-art medical devices to the new Paediatric Emergency Unit at Sebokeng Hospital underscores our commitment to delivering the latest technology and critical support where it is needed most. This initiative, in partnership with Carte Blanche’s Making a Difference Trust, enables Sebokeng Hospital to deliver enhanced, reliable service through cutting-edge solutions, empowering healthcare professionals to make a real difference in the lives of young patients and their families. Together, we aim to foster a healthier, more resilient future by equipping hospitals with the tools they need to provide high-quality care for all.
SUNNY PACKS
Sunny Packs is a family-owned and managed company in the packaging industry that has been looking to partner with a trust that makes a difference in the lives of underprivileged children throughout our country. We noticed the amazing work that has been done by Karolina and the Making a Difference Trust, with all the upgrades to children’s hospital operating theatres throughout South Africa, and we wanted to be part of this positive change.
Sunny Packs has grown from humble beginnings into the company that it is today because of the support from our customers and the communities that we operate in. It seems only fitting to partner with people who can help us give back to the children of our country, who will be a part of our future.
ITE PRODUCTS
Flooring and screed preparation specialists iTe Products have continued their partnership with Carte Blanche’s Making a Difference Trust by completing preparatory work for the installation of a floor at the new Sebokeng Hospital Paediatric ER Unit.
Flooring is a vital component of any medical facility – it contributes to safety and to the ability to maintain the highest standards of hygiene. Ensuring that facilities such as the Paediatric ER Unit at Sebokeng Hospital have appropriate, durable flooring can ultimately contribute to better patient outcomes.
Having worked with the Making a Difference Trust on several previous projects, the iTe Products team (led by Shaun van Heerden) undertook this multi-stage project to install new flooring in the unit.
The company contributed all the necessary materials for preparing the substrate, plus the adhesives required to ensure a lasting bond with the chosen vinyl floor covering. In addition, the iTe Products technicians freely shared their decades of combined experience and flooring expertise.
Their involvement in this important community upliftment project is entirely in keeping with iTe Products’ commitment to giving freely of their time and energy in order to provide lasting solutions that will improve life for community stakeholders both today and in the future.
The full iTe Products flooring preparation system was deployed, ensuring that the ultimate vinyl flooring would be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This involved ensuring that the substrate was level, protected against moisture, and free from cracks and other damage. The use of specialised iTe vinyl adhesive to attach the flooring will ensure that the vinyl stays in place throughout its lifetime, with no danger of tripping hazards being created.
The entire Paediatric ER Unit at Sebokeng Hospital has a floor area of some 650m² – a major undertaking, but well within the capabilities of iTe Products’ technical team. Completing the work in-house offered both cost benefits and an assurance that the work would be completed to the very highest standards. The team worked at Sebokeng Hospital for approximately one month, and the entire project proceeded seamlessly.
The completion of the flooring preparation was a vital step towards the completion of the Paediatric ER Unit, and the delivery of emergency care to local children. These facilities were not previously available in Sebokeng, but now the hospital has the means to save the lives of seriously ill or injured youngsters and babies.
“iTe Products is proud and privileged to be involved as a Making a Difference Trust partner and a donor to these projects and facilities. On behalf of our entire team, I can say that it is deeply rewarding to see all the different elements come together and see the facility become a working place of healing,” commented Shaun van Heerden, Technical Sales Manager at iTe Products. “We are very much looking forward to working with Karolina and her team again soon, and helping to make a difference once more,” he added.
HOSPI TRACK AFRICA
Hospi Track Africa is extremely thankful once again to be part of another Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust project, to share in their remarkable work within the community and industrious efforts to improve the world around us. We are blessed to contribute to the Sebokeng Hospital Paediatric ER project, assisting with hope, healing, preservation of life, and making a meaningful change in the lives of others.
PBE CONSULTING ENGINEERS
PBE Consulting Engineers, a leading structural and civil engineering firm, is proud to share that we have provided pro bono engineering services to the Carte Blanche Making A Difference Trust (CBMADT) Sebokeng Hospital Paediatric Emergency Unit project.
By offering our services pro bono, we’ve helped create a lasting foundation for a facility that will support the community for years to come. As the Dalai Lama wisely said, "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Our team provided foundation design, stormwater management systems, and concrete works, collaborating with geotechnical engineers, architects, and other specialists to ensure the facility meets the highest standards of safety and functionality.
“When we learned about the CBMADT Sebokeng Hospital project, we felt a strong call to contribute,” says Conrad Badenhorst, Principal Engineer & Director at PBE. “We believe in shaping environments that benefit our communities.
This project, which will serve so many children and families, truly aligns with our mission and company values to use our skills for social impact.” “The handover signifies more than a completed project—it marks the beginning of hope for families who will rely on these essential medical services,” adds Conrad. “Our team is honoured to have been part of bringing this vision to life.”
About PBE Consulting Engineers
We are a structural and civil engineering firm specialising in innovative solutions across residential, commercial, healthcare, and educational sectors. With over 40 years of experience, we combine technical excellence with a commitment to social responsibility, creating infrastructure that positively impacts the communities we serve.
