Mpumalanga regulator, SARGF hold gambling awareness session at Sicelalwati school
The outreach covered the effects of gambling on learners’ education and relationships, alongside information on counselling services.
South Africa.- The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), in collaboration with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), has conducted an awareness session at Sicelalwati Combined School focused on the risks and consequences of gambling at a young age. The programme, organised at the invitation of the Tekwane North Pastors Fraternal, also addressed alcohol abuse and substance use.
During the outreach, SARGF representatives explained the risks associated with gambling at a young age, including loss of money, poor concentration, declining academic performance, conflict with parents and peers, and disruption to education. Learners were also informed about the importance of seeking assistance when gambling becomes difficult to control.
The foundation highlighted counselling and support services available through the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) for people experiencing gambling-related problems or concerned about someone else.
Miss Mpumalanga 2026 also participated in the session, encouraging learners to remain focused on their education and make choices that support their long-term goals. She also addressed peer pressure and urged learners to pursue their ambitions without allowing gambling or alcohol to interfere with their plans.
The engagement comes as MER works to address gambling-related harm in Mpumalanga. The provincial government listed the reduction of social harm linked to gambling and liquor trading among its priorities for the regulator in 2026/27.
SARGF also runs youth education programmes covering gambling and other risk-taking behaviours. Its Taking Risks Wisely programme, which targets learners from Grades 5 to 12, has reached more than 20,000 learners, according to the foundation’s 2023/24 annual report.
