How Local Entertainment Venues Are Changing Lives

While Goldrush Mall@Reds is widely recognised as a premier gaming and entertainment destination in Centurion, its role within the local community extends far beyond the casino floor. Located within the bustling Mall@Reds precinct, the venue draws visitors not only for its state-of-the-art machines and welcoming atmosphere, but also for its commitment to meaningful, local impact. As part of the larger Goldrush Group, one of South Africa’s most trusted licensed gaming operators, this particular branch continues to champion a unique balance between luxury entertainment and grounded social responsibility. Its consistent investment in the Centurion community has made it a respected neighbour, not just a source of excitement and leisure.

Community engagement has long been a foundational pillar of the Goldrush brand. Unlike many operators in the gaming industry, Goldrush has embedded corporate citizenship into its operational identity, with structured social investment programmes running alongside its core business. The South African gambling sector generated over R36 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2022, according to the National Gambling Board, but the true measure of an operator’s value lies in how it redistributes that success. This ethos comes to life through tangible initiatives, supporting local schools, funding food security drives, and partnering with NGOs to uplift vulnerable groups. These are not one-off gestures, but sustained, strategic efforts aimed at empowering people in the surrounding community.

This article explores the real-world impact of Goldrush Mall@Reds’ charitable outreach. From multi-year school partnerships to seasonal donation campaigns, we’ll unpack the programmes that define the venue’s commitment to giving back. We’ll also look at how patrons and staff alike are encouraged to participate, creating a culture where community care is embedded into the everyday experience. In a sector often viewed through the lens of entertainment alone, Goldrush Mall@Reds demonstrates that a gaming venue can also be a force for social good, measured not only in wins on the floor, but in lives uplifted beyond it.

Commitment to Community Upliftment

Goldrush operates on a principle that success must be shared. As part of its corporate social responsibility framework, the group allocates structured funding and support to uplift communities surrounding each of its properties. These initiatives are guided by clear pillars: education, food security, youth development, and dignity. The aim is long-term impact rather than one-time donations.

At Mall@Reds, this approach translates into ongoing programmes that directly benefit Centurion residents. These include regular support for local schools, winter clothing drives, and sponsorship of community-run events. The location also collaborates with established non-profits to ensure resources are directed where they’re needed most. Staff are encouraged to take part in volunteer days, reinforcing a culture of active participation rather than passive giving.

Speaking on the venue’s approach, local operations manager Kabelo Mokoena notes, “It’s not just about running a successful business, it’s about being rooted in the community and creating real value for the people around us.” This philosophy is reflected in the practical, consistent nature of the Mall@Reds outreach efforts, quietly building trust through sustained support.

Key Charity Projects and Partnerships

  1. Local School Support
    Goldrush Mall@Reds works directly with underfunded schools across Centurion, responding to needs identified by educators and community leaders. Recent efforts include supplying uniforms to over 120 learners at a township primary school, funding sports kits for a local youth netball team, and donating workbooks to improve classroom resources.
  2. Food Security and Winter Drives
    Each winter, the team coordinates blanket drop-offs and warm clothing collections, prioritising informal settlements and shelters within a 15km radius. In partnership with local feeding schemes, the venue also supports monthly food parcel distributions, helping over 200 households annually.

  3. Youth Empowerment and Skills Development
    To address unemployment, they collaborate with NGOs offering job readiness training to youth aged 18–25. Through these partnerships, the venue helps host CV workshops, interview preparation sessions, and occasional mentorship events.
  4. Elderly Care Contributions
    Goldrush maintains ongoing relationships with two care homes in the region, providing quarterly donations of toiletries, adult nappies, and essential medical supplies. Staff volunteers also help coordinate social days, including meals, music, and gift packs, offering companionship to residents who may lack family support.

Employee involvement is central to how they deliver its community initiatives. Staff are not only encouraged but expected to contribute time and effort to outreach projects, with management structuring monthly volunteering opportunities into the operations calendar. From packing food parcels to delivering care packages, team members play a direct role in execution, not just planning.

For Tshepiso M., a shift supervisor, the experience was grounding: “We see the impact first-hand. When you hand over that food parcel or hear a thank you from an elder, it reminds you why this matter. It’s not charity, it’s connection.

How Patrons Can Get Involved

Visitors play a vital role in sustaining Goldrush Mall@Reds’ outreach efforts. On-site collection bins are available year-round for items such as non-perishable food, school supplies, and gently worn winter clothing. These contributions are distributed directly to partner organisations serving Centurion communities.

During key campaign periods, the venue hosts charity events where portions of proceeds go toward local initiatives. Patrons can also allocate a percentage of their loyalty points toward specific causes, with matching contributions provided by Goldrush. Clear prompts at kiosks and counters make the process simple and immediate. Every contribution, no matter the size, feeds directly into programmes that make a measurable difference.

Goldrush Mall@Reds is set to expand its outreach in 2025 with a focus on digital literacy workshops for unemployed youth and an expanded winter relief programme aimed at reaching an additional 300 families. Plans are also underway to establish a long-term partnership with a local shelter, supporting monthly operations through combined staff and patron contributions.

The long-term vision centers on sustainable support, shifting from reactive giving to proactive capacity-building. This includes annual funding commitments, skills transfer programmes, and integrating community needs into the venue’s operational planning. The goal is to create continuity in impact, not just seasonal responses.

These initiatives are possible thanks to the steady support of patrons who choose to engage beyond entertainment. Visit Goldrush Mall@Reds  and be part of something bigger than the game.

Whether it’s dropping off a donation or attending a charity event, each action strengthens the link between the venue and the community it serves.

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