Rustenburg is situated in the North West Province of South Africa, in an area with high numbers of orphans and vulnerable children and a high HIV/AIDS prevalence.
The region lacks adequate facilities for long-term child care. A plot of land on the outskirts of Rustenburg was chosen for building the SOS Children's Village. A middle-class residential area will become the immediate neighbourhood of SOS Children's Village Rustenburg.
Its architecture will reflect the "Solid, Modest and Integrated" approach: The family houses resemble the local building style and fit seamlessly into the neighbourhood. SOS Children's Village Rustenburg comprises ten family houses to take in up to 100 children, an administration and service area, a village director's house and a house for the SOS aunts (who support the SOS mothers and take care of the children when the mothers are on leave).
A community-based child care and support programme for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS has been set up. Through this programme, the families receive material and medical support, education and counselling.
They are also supported to become materially and financially self-sufficient by establishing kitchen gardens, improving job-finding skills, linking them to income generating activities, etc. Moreover, HIV/AIDS awareness is raised and prevention campaigns are organised.