The North West MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) Virginia Tlhapi has announced the appointment of new members to the North West Gambling Board, marking a significant stride towards enhancing the governance and regulation of the gambling industry in the province.
This decision reflects the government's dedication to effectively overseeing and managing the sector. Leading the charge is the newly appointed Chairperson, Professor Vuyo Peach. Prof. Peach boasts a doctorate in Law from the University of Zululand and currently serves as the Acting Executive Director of Legal Services at the University of South Africa.
His expertise and experience make him well-suited to guide the board in regulating provincial gambling. In addition to Prof. Peach, the board is further strengthened by the appointment of Mokone Collen Maine as Deputy Chairperson, and Tsholofelo Lerumo, Kagiso Seleke, Patrick Makgale and Tshenolo Lefutswe as Board Members.
These appointments were carried out in strict accordance with Section 5 of the North West Gambling Board Act 2 of 2001, as amended. Tlhapi expressed confidence in the new board's ability to address the province's challenges, emphasising the gambling industry's pivotal role in generating revenue and creating job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
During her interaction with the board, Tlhapi urged its members to prioritise governance matters and ensure transformation within the gambling sector. She also highlighted the importance of monitoring license holders to ensure they are actively engaged in social responsibility programs that uplift the communities in which they operate.
Tlhapi reminded the newly appointed board members of the Provincial Thuntsha Lerole initiative, a government-led effort to coordinate and integrate services provided by various government entities and State-Owned Entities to improve the lives of local communities. She encouraged the board to actively participate in this initiative, especially in addressing the challenges of illegal gambling, focusing on young people in the province.
The new board members will undergo an induction process to familiarise themselves with the relevant gambling legislation, further reinforcing the governance and management of the North West Gambling Board. This process ensures that board members are well-prepared to fulfil their roles and responsibilities effectively.
In response to these appointments, Prof. Peach conveyed the board's unwavering commitment to regulating the gambling industry and ensuring the North West Gambling Board fulfils its mandate. He stressed the board's intention to contribute significantly to the North West Province's economic growth and enhance the region's socio-economic development.
Tlhapi expressed her confidence in the newly-appointed members, anticipating their expertise and dedication would improve the board's operations. She emphasised their role in delivering effective and efficient gambling regulatory services and contributing to the province's socio-economic development.
Jeremia Matebesi, the DEDECT spokesperson, provided insight into the significance of these appointments, stating: "The newly appointed members represent a crucial step towards enhancing the governance and management of the North West Gambling Board. Their experience and commitment to regulation will contribute to the economic growth of the North West Province. We are confident in their ability to lead and positively change the gambling industry."
The appointments signal a renewed commitment by the North West provincial government to regulate the gambling industry effectively, ensure responsible gambling practices, and drive economic growth in the region. With a dedicated and experienced leadership team, the North West Gambling Board is poised to take on the challenges and opportunities presented by the dynamic gambling industry.
