South Africa’s National Task Team launches campaign to tackle youth gambling risks
The initiative will use educational outreach, media advocacy, public awareness programmes, partnerships and youth-focused engagement to provide students with information and tools to make more informed decisions.
South Africa.- The National Task Team (NTT) has launched the Risk to Responsibility Campaign, a national initiative aimed at addressing gambling-related risks, financial pressures and harmful online exposure among students and young people in South Africa.
Announced on August 17, the campaign brings together gambling regulators, student organisations, health bodies, research institutions and other stakeholders to promote financial wellness, responsible behaviour and prevention-focused education among young people.
The initiative was developed in response to concerns over the use of student financial aid for gambling, as well as increased exposure to illegal online gambling platforms and other digital environments that could contribute to harmful behaviour.
The NTT said financial pressure, misinformation and easy online access can increase young people’s vulnerability to irresponsible gambling. It warned that these behaviours can affect financial wellbeing, academic performance, mental health and future economic opportunities.
The campaign will use educational outreach, media advocacy, public awareness programmes, partnerships and youth-focused engagement to provide students with information and tools to make more informed decisions.
The initiative also recognises the links between gambling, alcohol consumption, impulsive behaviour and youth vulnerability in social and digital environments. Its messaging will therefore extend beyond gambling awareness to broader responsible behavioural education.
The NTT comprises the African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA), National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), National Gambling Board (NGB), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Liquor Board Authorities, Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), Higher Health, South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association (SATVETSA) and South African Union of Students (SAUS).
A key component of the campaign will be the Future Leaders Responsible Gambling Forum, a national student leadership platform that will involve nominated representatives from universities across South Africa.
The forum is intended to give students a direct role in promoting financial wellness and responsible behaviour within their institutions and communities. Participants will take part in leadership activities, advocacy initiatives, educational campaigns, industry mentorship, peer-to-peer awareness programmes, community outreach and national discussions on youth safeguarding.
According to the task team, the forum would position students as participants in prevention efforts rather than simply recipients of awareness campaigns.
The campaign ultimately aims to support long-term behavioural change by equipping young people to identify risks, make informed financial decisions and promote safer environments among their peers.
The NTT said the initiative reflects a collective approach to addressing youth vulnerability by bringing government-linked institutions, regulators, educational bodies, industry stakeholders and advocacy organisations into a coordinated national effort.
