NWGB and partners raise gambling-harm awareness at Baphiring Agricultural Hub

The North West Gambling Board (NWGB), with the Consumer Affairs Unit of the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), held an awareness session for young adults at the Baphiring Agricultural Hub in Ga-Phiri, in the Mabaalstad region of Moses Kotane Local Municipality. The session formed part of the "Protect Your Money. Protect Your Future." initiative, which warns young people against risky wagering.

The NWGB said the location was chosen to link financial protection with existing socioeconomic development channels. The hub offers services including sustainable agriculture, vocational training, food-service entrepreneurship and construction skills intended to improve rural livelihoods and employability. By holding the workshops in a setting focused on youth vocational empowerment, the organisers aimed to connect financial literacy with income protection, and the campaign stresses that young people should avoid risky wagering to protect their incomes and future prospects.

The intervention drew a positive response from local organisers and community leaders, who argued that technical training ought to go hand in hand with knowledge of financial protection. Advocates in the community went further, urging that programmes be broadened: workshops aimed at young people, instruction for parents and local leaders so they can spot the early warning signs of problem gambling, and recreational activities that continue over time to keep younger residents usefully occupied. Anyone in need of help, guidance or advice on self-exclusion may approach the official support channels.

The session was reported on 6 October 2026. The NWGB said the intervention responds to risks linked to the growth of gambling, with regulators and public health organisations running targeted community programmes alongside national clinical support frameworks to protect young people and promote long-term financial resilience in South Africa.