North West Gambling Board inducts new members in Vryburg
The programme was designed to ground board members in their statutory responsibilities.
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB), in collaboration with the Liquor Regulation unit under MEC Bitsa Lenkopane from the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), has formally inducted its newly appointed board members during a governance-focused programme held at Rejabotlhe Guest Lodge in Vryburg.
The induction is part of a broader provincial effort to strengthen governance systems, improve accountability, and enhance oversight across both the gambling and liquor regulatory sectors in the North West.
According to officials, the programme was designed to ground board members in their statutory responsibilities, institutional governance frameworks, and the operational mandate of the NWGB. The accounting authority, alongside acting CEO Boitumelo Qalinge, led the opening session, outlining the strategic role of the Board in driving economic growth, enforcing regulatory compliance, and supporting community development initiatives across the province.
Qalinge emphasised that while the institution remains stable, there is a clear need for continuous improvement in governance practice and service delivery. He urged the newly appointed members to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure that existing policy frameworks are translated into tangible socio-economic outcomes.
A key component of the induction involved unpacking critical legislative and compliance instruments, including the North West Gambling Act (Act 2 of 2001), as well as governance and security frameworks such as the Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS). These sessions were aimed at equipping board members with the technical and regulatory knowledge required to perform their duties with integrity, diligence, and accountability.
Closing the engagement, MEC Lenkopane stressed that the induction should not be viewed as a one-off exercise, but rather the beginning of sustained institutional work. She called on board members to prioritise execution over discussion, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, collaboration with the Department, and effective implementation of regulatory mandates.
Among the key directives issued by the MEC were strengthened oversight of illegal gambling and unlicensed operations through consistent enforcement measures, as well as the establishment of coordinated platforms to improve collaboration between the Board and the Department.
The programme concluded with oversight walkabouts at selected local gambling and liquor outlets in Vryburg, allowing members to engage directly with compliance environments and reinforce practical regulatory monitoring on the ground.
