Anthea Platt SC, one of the top South African advocates, was appointed as a new chairperson of the Gauteng Gambling Board last week. Platt’s well-trusted deputy chairperson, South African businessman Timothy Sukazi, was also duly appointed.
Gauteng MEC, Parks Tau confirmed the news. Tau supports the appointment, highlighting increasing the revenue for Gauteng as one of the most important roles board members can play through these positions.
Tau said that the GGB, which is responsible for regulating the gambling industry in the province, is critical to Gauteng’s economy. He further emphasized the important role the gambling industry plays in assisting the provincial government to create jobs and to grow the province’s economy.
Tau went further stating that the governance and management of the Gambling Board needed strengthening. Anthea Platt’s ruthless love for the law meant that she was the perfect candidate.
The Importance of Gambling to the Province
The Gauteng Gambling Board is estimated to have collected more than R14 million in taxes for the Gauteng Province alone. Even in the past two years, where the Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented negative effects on the provincial economy, the Gambling board has continued to be an important financial source for the provincial government.
Tau has pleaded with the Gambling board to hasten their efforts to improve socio-economic inclusivity in the gambling industry. In the words of a true custodian of the law, Tau explained that transformation is the underlying factor behind his plea. He believes that this goal should be easily deliverable by the board.
Platt’s Goals and the Mission of the New Board
At Platt’s official swearing-in last Wednesday, she gave a speech outlining her own goals and the overall objective of the new Gambling Board. She emphasized the commitment of the board to regulating gambling in South Africa in a transparent, ethical, equitable, competent, and efficient manner.
She stated that the board will work in unison to improve the regulatory framework. At the same time, they’ll ensure that they embrace the advancements of technology when introducing new legislation for the industry.
It’s essential that the Board discharges its duties to maintain law and order in the gambling industry. It does this by ensuring fair environments for licensees and players, and all other stakeholders. Furthermore, it’s essential that the GGB continues to carry out its mandate and further contribute to the economic recovery of the Gauteng Province.
The New Board Members
The new board, appointed via the Gauteng Gambling Board Act 14 of 1996, are as follows:
- Chairperson: Advocate Anthea Platt SC
- Deputy Chairperson: Timothy Sukazi
- Ditaba Maraka
- Pholoso Matjele
- Kashree Rajoo
- Ramateu Monyokolo
- Dr. Peter Masegare
- Phatundi Mamabolo
- Advocate Nakedi Ribane
- Thandeka Mgoduso
- Matshidiso Modise
- Refilwe Matenche
Tau believes that with Platt at the helm, the gambling board will pursue its urgent core function. Its aim is to protect the public and to ensure that integrity remains within the gambling industry.
