Picture: New Boards members taking oaths/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
21 April 2026 – The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has today officiated the formal swearing-in ceremony of the newly-appointed Board Members of the North West Gambling Board and the North West Liquor Authority at Sun City Resort, near Rustenburg.
Lekopane said the swearing-in marks a critical governance milestone aimed at strengthening oversight, accountability and effective regulation within the province’s gambling and liquor sectors. She further said the two Boards play a strategic role in ensuring compliance with legislation, promoting responsible trading practices, protecting communities and contributing to economic growth and revenue generation.
“The weight of responsibility entrusted to the new Board Members, describing the oath of office as a solemn commitment to serve with integrity, discipline, and accountability. There is seriousness of commitment undertaken by the Board Members.
“This oath is not ceremonial, it demands loyalty, integrity, and discipline requires that you always act in a manner that is beyond reproach. The gambling and liquor sectors remain highly sensitive, operating at the intersection of economic activity and social responsibility,” added Lenkopane.
She called on the Boards to strike a careful balance between industry growth and addressing societal challenges. Lenkopane said the North West Liquor Authority, through its Board, is responsible for adjudicating liquor license applications and ensuring compliance with trading conditions across approximately 8,000 licensed establishments in the province, including taverns, pubs, night clubs, liquor restaurants, accommodation establishments and bottle stores.
“Similarly, the North West Gambling Board is mandated to regulate the gambling industry through licensing, compliance monitoring, and enforcement, while combating illegal gambling activities and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly young people.
“The Gambling Board is in a stable state with a clean audit and strong performance. We call on the new Board to build on this foundation. We are handing over an institution that is stable and performing well,” she said.
Lenkopane said this must be protected and improved. She said they will not accept regression.
“The responsibility now rests with you to restore confidence and demonstrate professionalism. I want to issue a firm warning against misconduct and weak enforcement. There must be no corruption, no selective enforcement and no inaction.
“We expect these Boards to regulate fairly, act decisively against non-compliance, and contribute to rebuilding public trust. The appointment of the Boards fulfils a commitment made during the 2025/26 Budget Speech to strengthen governance, improve accountability and enhance the performance of departmental entities,” said Lenkopane.
She further announced that a 15 to 18-day compliance operation will be rolled out across districts, focusing on illegal gambling, unlawful liquor trading and strengthening inspections. Lenkopane said this forms part of efforts to reposition compliance as a pathway to economic empowerment, ensuring that liquor outlets are properly licensed and registered, while decisively addressing non-compliant practices, including proxy operations.
“The department will intensify compliance monitoring in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including targeted operations to address illegal gambling and unlawful liquor trading.
“These efforts are also aimed at contributing to the reduction of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), often linked to substance abuse,” she said.
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