The North West provincial government has appointed a new board for the North West Gambling Board (NWGB) as authorities seek to strengthen oversight of the province’s gambling sector and ensure regulatory compliance across licensed operators. The board was sworn in on 21 April, at Sun City Resort during a ceremony led by North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane.
The oath-taking process was overseen by Mogwase Senior Magistrate M. Matebesi. The newly appointed board members include Prof. George Nzimeni Malebe as Chairperson and Prof. Vuyo Ntsangane Peach as Deputy Chairperson, alongside Phemelo Eunice Lobelo, Tebogo Leshope, Dr George Marindi and Lesego Sibikiri. Lenkopane said the board is responsible for enforcing gambling legislation, overseeing licensing processes, and ensuring compliance within the provincial gambling industry.
She also pointed to the need for stronger governance standards following previous operational and governance challenges faced by the regulator. The MEC stated that the board is taking over an organization that has recently stabilized its internal systems and financial controls. Publicly available financial records show the regulator has recorded improved audit outcomes in recent years after previously facing governance difficulties.
Newly appointed Chairperson George Malebe said the NWGB would focus on governance, accountability, and strengthening public confidence. He indicated that the board plans to continue institutional reforms introduced under acting Chief Executive Officer Boitumelo Qalinge. The appointment comes as South African gambling regulators face mounting pressure to tighten oversight of illegal activity, strengthen compliance systems, and address the rapid growth of online betting.
The new board is expected to prioritise enforcement against unlicensed operators, improve monitoring mechanisms, and strengthen collaboration with law enforcement agencies to curb illegal gambling activities in the province. It will also be tasked with supporting revenue generation for the province through effective licensing and taxation, while ensuring that economic benefits are balanced with responsible gambling measures and consumer protection standards.
