The North West Gambling Board (NWGB), in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), took its Responsible Gambling and Sobriety Awareness Campaign to the streets of Ikageng, Potchefstroom.
The campaign was led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane and Head of Department Relebohile Mofokane. It focused not only on raising awareness, but also on the people and families affected by alcohol abuse, young people at risk of making harmful choices, and the need to protect women and girls.
Mofokane urged stakeholders and community members to keep the message alive beyond the event, taking it to every street, school and township. He emphasized that the walk was not simply a recreational activity, but an opportunity to share information that could help protect lives. He called for a united effort to address underage gambling, underage alcohol consumption and illegal activities.
SANParks representative Makatlego Mothibedi spoke about the effects of alcohol abuse on physical and mental health, emotional well-being, finances and relationships. She noted that alcohol-related harm can affect entire households and contribute to situations where violence occurs.
Mothibedi encouraged people to reflect on their choices and the consequences of intoxication. Sobriety, she said, is about protecting one’s health, peace of mind, relationships and future. Lenkopane reminded young people that they are a valuable investment in the province’s future.
She encouraged them to use what they had learned to positively influence their friends, siblings, classmates and neighbors. The discussions also highlighted gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Mofokane raised concerns about an increase in GBVF in the Potchefstroom area and stressed the need for focused attention and coordinated interventions in the JB Marks Local Municipality.
“Behind every incident of violence is a human being, a family and a community affected by its consequences. We cannot afford to look away, dismiss someone’s suffering or allow violence to become normalized.”
Lenkopane called on communities to support survivors, speak up when someone is being harmed and help those in need access appropriate support and protection. Alcohol is never an excuse for violence, she said, and silence must never stand in the way of someone’s safety.
As the province’s gambling regulator, the NWGB continues to promote lawful gambling, regulatory compliance and responsible gambling practices. The campaign also included a joint inspection by DEDECT, the NWGB and other stakeholders. Inspectors found no non-compliance apart from one licensee’s failure to display its gambling licence as required by the regulations.
