Civil society and COSATU unite to demand a ban on online gambling in South Africa

In a show of solidarity, borne out of concern, various civil society groups, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) have called for an immediate ban on online gambling in South Africa.

The call came during a one day conference held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday, which brought together a diverse group of civil rights activists, clergy members, academics, and community leaders to address the alarming rise of gambling addiction, particularly among youth.

COSATU Provincial Secretary Edwin Mkhize opened the conference with a poignant message, stating, “South Africa still has caring, loving, and conscious people who refuse to watch silently while our children, workers, and communities are devoured by this modern (day) monster called online gambling.”

Mkhize raised the urgent need to protect the nation's children and economic well being from what he termed an “addiction factory” that robs families and drains the economy.

Recent statistics released by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation revealed the threat posed by online gambling with a report that revealed more than 30% of online gamblers were under the age of 25, with nearly one in five showning signs of addiction.

The statistics point to the real life stories of devastation that leads to broken families and children going to bed hungry as parents squander their earnings on gambling platforms.

A study conducted by audit and accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers concluded that unregulated online gambling costs South Africa roughly R2 billion annually.

Mkhize stated, “An economy that allows its wealth to be stolen by gambling syndicates cannot develop.”

This sentiment resonated deeply throughout the conference, where stakeholders expressed concern about the parallel crises of unemployment and poverty in the nation.

Dr. Muni Koobla, President of Child Welfare KZN, also sounded the urgent need for action, and said: "Online gambling is quietly becoming one of the fastest spreading social crises of our time.

"What begins as entertainment is rapidly destroying lives.”

The call for an outright ban aligns with measures taken by countries like India, which have successfully prohibited online gambling, by refusing to digitise addiction.

Some believe that gambling's socio-economic repercussions extend beyond individual losses, as it also weakens the fabric of communities.

Zama Mbutho, a social worker in Chatsworth, said: “Many families are being destroyed, and individuals are losing everything from homes to businesses due to their gambling habits.”

One of the resolutions to emerge from the conference was the urgent need for mass march to mobilise citizens across South Africa against the scourge of online gambling.

Key advocacy measures proposed included banning all forms of gambling advertising, freezing new licences pending further policy reform, and establishing a national gambling board to enforce regulations effectively.

Advocate Saleem Khan SC stated: “The solution must focus on a united front against this crisis, with a clear mission to reclaim our communities from the hands of exploitative corporations.”

The conference concluded with a collective rallying cry for collaborative action, where civil society, workers' organisations, faith leaders, and community advocates pledged to fight against online gambling.

“When the working class and civil society unite behind a just cause victory is certain,” said Khan.

Trade and industry spokesperson Bongani Lukhele confirmed that online gambling was prohibited and unlawful in South Africa.

“We currently do not have any specific programmes on online gambling education and awareness, and especially for children.

"We would like to reiterate the Ministers commitment to an environment that is not harmful and that is well regulated, ensuring proper economic benefit,” Lukhele added.

He said that his department recently held the National Gambling Policy Council meeting, which made progressed on how it needs to tackle the problem of gambling.

DAILY NEWS