Call to transform KZN gaming and betting sector

Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Belinda Scott is calling for transformation in the provincial gaming and betting sector after she appointed a new board.

In February, Scott reportedly suspended nine board members after they met secretly and granted bingo operators licences to run electronic machines in shopping malls around KwaZulu-Natal.

“I would like to stress from the outset that transformation of the betting and gambling industry remains a key priority. I want to commit the board to vigorously pursue a transformation agenda in their term of office.

“I want to see many more people entering into horseracing, bookmaking industry, casinos and bingos. I don’t want a situation where there are a few stakeholders that own all the licences… because we want real transformation in the gaming industry,” said Scott.

“This new board comes when we are currently in the process of amending the KZN Gaming and Betting Act, 2010. It is a very technical piece of legislation, fixing up some of the wrongs in the legislation to assist to effect transformation in real terms.

“The fundamental changes that I have incorporated into the new bill are all about transformation, it’s about allowing horseracing in the rural areas and many other forms of gaming to be regulated so that they can be given money.

“A good example is that at the moment rural racing depends on stipends from the Department of Sports and Recreation, which are small amounts that really do nothing for the industry; it does not allow them to develop a racetrack. By regulating this industry we can start looking at giving them real money,” said Scott.  

“The challenge we face in this five year term is how do we transform the gaming and betting industry in real terms, how do we get more people involved, how do we increase employment but at the same time avoid creating social ills."

The new members of the board are:
Vusi Khuzwayo - Board Chairperson
Emmanuel Mpanza - Deputy Chair
Sinenhlanhla Mthembu
Bongekile Zulu
Pinky Mkhize
Nigel Hollis
Peter Miller
Siva Chetty
Hillary Hart