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Minister Parks Tau Outlines New Era of Gambling Enforcement in South Africa
South Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau has set an ambitious enforcement agenda for the newly appointed National Gambling Board (NGB), with tighter regulatory oversight, action against illegal gambling, and increased scrutiny of online gambling among its key priorities.
He wants the National Gambling Act of 2004 to be in full force, which will include investigations into unlawful winnings, and holding provincial licensing authorities to account. Closer cooperation between provincial regulators and law enforcement agencies will also be central to its mandate.
“We expect the board to ensure a balance between the socio-economic impact of gambling and the protection of society against its harmful effects,” Tau said in a statement, released in October 2026.
“The board is appointed at a time when there is excessive gambling in society, including online, and it is expected that this challenge and many others will receive more concerted attention.”
The board has also been tasked with assessing the country’s gambling market in terms of conduct and share, advising on national norms and standards, and making policy and regulatory recommendations to the National Gambling Policy Council.
“This is a significant milestone…which will collectively drive the strategic direction of the NGB and strengthen corporate governance,” he said.
The NGB has operated without a board since 2014. Its decade-long absence was a result of being placed under administration. Efforts to reconstitute the board began only in the last two years.
Dr Makgathatso Charlotte Chana Pilane-Majake has been appointed board chairperson, with Kganki Matabane serving as deputy chair.
Other board members include Chuma Fani, Silochini Pillay, Zoleka Gloria Bula, Milton Ntwana, Niklasina Maria Kruger, Khayalethu Ntimbela and Sizakele Magangoe.