Gambling addiction has been identified as one of the factors linked to mental health problems contributing to overcrowding at the country’s psychiatric hospital.
This came to light during a tour of the facility by the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity (CHRPA) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The two institutions are investigating allegations of anomalies at the facility.
Hospital Administrator Neliswa Mabaso and other health officials told the investigators that some patients were being treated for mental health challenges that they linked to gambling. On the day of the visit, investigators were informed that a ward designed to accommodate 45 patients was housing at least 100 people.
The overcrowding has raised concerns about conditions that could contribute to the spread of diseases. Some patients were reportedly sleeping on mats and mattresses on the floor, a situation staff members feared could further worsen their mental health conditions.
However, the CHRPA and CSC are yet to compile a report on their findings. The Eswatini Consumer Forum (ECOF) has called for stronger laws and regulations to control gambling in Eswatini, citing concerns about its potential impact on mental health and household finances.
ECOF Chairman Mandla Ntshakala said gambling had become increasingly widespread, with opportunities to gamble now available in communities across the country, including rural areas.
Ntshakala made the comments in an interview following reports that some people were being admitted to mental health facilities over gambling addiction and its consequences.
“Gambling is really a challenge in Eswatini nowadays because everywhere you go, there are gambling opportunities. Even shops in rural areas have gambling consoles, enticing people to play,” Ntshakala said.
He said the widespread availability of gambling opportunities could contribute to gambling-related problems and expressed concern about reports linking the activity to serious mental health challenges.
“I am not surprised that many people are developing mental health problems as a result of gambling. In fact, it has been reported that some are dying as a result of gambling,” he said.
Ntshakala also warned that the consequences of gambling could extend beyond mental health, affecting families and household finances. He cited the example of a security guard who allegedly spent his entire salary on gambling, leaving him without money to meet his basic needs.
“A security guard takes a whole salary and spends it on gambling,” he said.
The ECOF chairman said the situation required urgent intervention through legislation and other control measures.
“There must be control measures to deal with gambling. We need a law to put it under control,” he said.
Ntshakala questioned why gambling should not face tighter controls when other activities considered harmful to public health, such as smoking, are regulated.
“If smoking is controlled, why not gambling?” he asked.
He further claimed that some emaSwati had resorted to suicide because of gambling-related problems, although he did not provide statistics to support the claim. Ntshakala also questioned the broader benefits of gambling to the country, arguing that the activity could cause significant harm to individuals and families.
“If it were up to me, gambling would be abolished altogether because I do not understand the benefit to the nation,” he said.
He alleged that those benefiting most from gambling were the “top dogs” in the country, while ordinary people were left to bear the consequences. His comments come as concerns over the conditions and challenges facing patients at the National Psychiatric Centre have drawn renewed attention following the visit by the CHRPA and CSC.
