South Africa – North West MEC Bitsa Lenkopane has led a provincial campaign against underage gambling. The campaign also targets illegal betting and alcohol abuse. The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) partnered with her office on the effort. Together, they reached communities across South Africa’s North West province.
The campaign included a community awareness walk. A stakeholder engagement followed in Ikageng township, Potchefstroom. Both events took place on October 9.
Campaign Theme Puts Youth First
Organisers held the initiative under a clear theme. It was “Your Future Matters: Gamble Responsibly, Choose Sobriety.” The campaign had three goals. First, it aimed to educate young people about gambling-related risks. Second, it promoted responsible alcohol consumption. Third, it sought to strengthen compliance among gambling and liquor businesses.
MEC Calls for Coordinated Action
Lenkopane called for coordinated action to stop underage gambling. She wants government departments, schools, and communities to work together. Their shared goal is to keep children away from gambling from an early age.
She also warned about a dangerous misconception. Young people may begin to see gambling as an acceptable way to make money. This can happen if they take part in gambling or watch it while still underage. As a result, Lenkopane stressed that gambling should stay restricted to adults. She said people should treat it as entertainment, not a source of income.
NWGB Warns of Online Risks for Minors
NWGB acting CEO Boitumelo Qalinge also raised concerns. Qalinge warned that minors are vulnerable to illegal gambling and betting. This risk is especially high online. Qalinge urged stakeholders to teach young people about the consequences. Young people should also share this information with peers and families.
Inspections Find One Breach
The Ikageng programme also included business inspections. DEDECT, the NWGB, and other stakeholders checked local gambling and liquor businesses. The inspection found only one gambling-related breach. A licensee had failed to display its gambling licence as regulations require. Inspectors reported no other non-compliance.
Youth Football Tournament Spreads the Message
The NWGB also used sport to reach young people. It held the final of its first responsible gambling youth football tournament. The match took place at Montshioa Stadium in Mahikeng on October 9.
Four district representatives took part. They were Meriti Secondary School, Tau Rapulana Secondary School, Motsemme Secondary School, and Mofatlhosi Secondary School.
Mofatlhosi Secondary School Wins the Title
Mofatlhosi Secondary School won the tournament. It received R25,000 (US$1,510). Meriti Secondary School finished second and earned R15,000 (US$906). Motsemme Secondary School and Tau Rapulana Secondary School each received R10,000 (US$604).
The tournament used sport and education to explain the risks of underage gambling. It also encouraged responsible choices and pointed learners to support services. Several partners backed the initiative. They included the National Gambling Board and the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation. Absa, SunBet, and Rio Casino also supported it.
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