NWGB promotes responsible gambling at Tholo Ikitsi cultural festival
The NWGB’s stall drew in community members, including families and young people, who were eager to learn more and take away informative materials
South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has participated in the recently concluded 8th Annual Tholo Ikitsi Cultural Festival, held on October 17 and 18, 2025, at the Kgotla premises in Lokaleng Village near Mahikeng.
The board used the platform to inform residents about the importance of responsible gambling. Staff explained how to make informed decisions when betting and highlighted the risks of patronising illegal operations, which can lead to financial problems or legal issues. An NWGB representative said during the event: “We want people to understand that gambling should be a choice made with full awareness”, emphasising the need for education in rural communities like Lokaleng.
The board also discussed its self-exclusion programme, where individuals facing gambling challenges can choose to bar themselves from licensed venues. They highlighted the availability of free counselling services through the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), to support individuals in recovery. The NWGB’s stall drew in community members, including families and young people, who were eager to learn more and take away informative materials.
This involvement aligns with the NWGB’s mandate to regulate gambling in the province while promoting social welfare. The board has been fulfilling this responsibility by providing outreach programmes across various towns in the North West like Rustenburg and Delareyville, and supporting initiatives like the festival that foster community engagement.
Other participants at the event included the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), North-West University, Mahikeng Local Municipality, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Departments of Health, Social Development, Home Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS), all of whom provided details on their offerings to help people in the area build better lives.
