Botswana’s gambling authority achieves ISO 9001:2015 certification
The achievement signifies that the board’s systems, from licensing and compliance to responsible gambling, fully align with globally recognised practices.
Botswana.- The Gambling Authority has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Certification by the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS), a milestone that underscores its commitment to maintaining high standards in gaming regulation.
The award was presented to the regulator in a special ceremony held at its head office in Gaborone. In his opening remarks, Marvin Thokozani Torto, chairman of the Gambling Authority, noted that the achievement signifies that the board’s systems, from licensing and compliance to responsible gambling, are fully aligned with globally recognised practices.
Torto added: “Our strategy is not just regulatory; it is developmental. Through new licensing initiatives like Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) and betting operations, we are on course to create over 2,000 permanent jobs and stimulate Botswana’s economic diversification. “
Standard of excellence
The ISO 9001:2015 certification is recognised as a hallmark of quality as it means that the receiving organisation has demonstrated its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements, implemented a quality management system that meets the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard, and been audited and certified by a recognised certification body.
In his address, Professor Goemeone Mogomotsi, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, who officiated the event, said that the certification showcases Botswana’s pursuit of excellence and adherence to global standards.
Mogomotsi also commended the authority for attaining the certification on its first attempt, remarking that it represented a significant cultural shift that boosts Botswana’s image as a “trusted and capable regulatory environment”.
The professor added: “The ISO 9001:2015 standard is more than just a plaque on the wall; it represents a commitment to leadership, customer focus and continuous improvement. Certification marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of quality.”
Flying the BOS flag
As a certified body, the Gambling Authority can now proudly display the BOBS: ISO 9001 certification flag at its premises, and feature the BOBS certification logo on its online platforms, including website and social media channels.
Botsile Kebapetse, BOBS’s Managing Director, said: “It is an honour to officially hand over the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certificate to the Gambling Authority. As you know, the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) is tasked with providing quality infrastructure services in Botswana, which include standardisation, metrology and conformity.”
