Hon. Bits Lenkopane held an oversight meeting with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism over the North West Gambling Amendment Board Bill 2022 and the North West Consumer Affairs Bill 2019.

The Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development chaired by Hon. Bits Lenkopane held an oversight meeting with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism over the North West Gambling Amendment Board Bill 2022 and the North West Consumer Affairs Bill 2019.

According to the Acting Head of Department, Ms. Lebogang Diale, the North West Gambling Amendment Board Bill 2022 seeks to curb the current challenges associated with implementation of hybrid legislation which are not consistent with one another; align the provincial legislation to established norms and standards and to create certainty on the applicable legal system. Furthermore, the bill seeks to provide consistent, predictable and effective regulatory framework for consumer protection in the Province; to provide for accessible, consistent, harmonized, efficient and effective system of redress mechanism and ensure that consumers in the Province are well protected against unscrupulous businesses and service providers.

“The bill is also aimed at providing the Office and the Tribunal with necessary enforcement powers; to ensure enjoyment and protection of consumer rights as conferred by Consumer Protection Act;
“To ensure that mechanisms provided to protect consumers are in place and to create awareness, dissemination of information and encourage responsible consumer choice and behaviour,” said Ms. Diale.
North West Gambling Amendment Bill, 2022 seeks to address the issues of illegal gambling in the Province and will provide for powers and functions of inspectors. “This will ensure that there is consistent and efficient regulatory framework and it will also be aligned with the National Gambling Legislation;

“The Bill will make certain that there is proper governance by ensuring that there is business continuity and will open up an opportunity for new type of licenses and will the abolition of sections dealing with ordinances, as the provision is restrictive on other contingencies on which bets may be placed i.e. greyhound or dog racing,” said Ms. Diale.
Hon. Lenkopane said both bills should make provision for the public including relevant stakeholders to make inputs on the appointment of their respective boards and they must serve the interests of the communities at large. “These bills should further ensure that they address the triple challenges of inequality, unemployment and poverty through creation of jobs and economic opportunities,” said Hon. Lenkopane.

Public hearings for both bills will be held at Barolong Boo Ratlou ba ga Seitshiro Community Hall in Khunwana; Kgakala Community Hall in Leeudoringstad; Kismet Community Hall in Vryburg and Moretele Community Hall in Moretele on Tuesday, 28 November 2023 across the four districts of the North West Province at 10h00.

Related Posts