In Mafikeng today the North West legislature will host a ceremony and human rights celebration to discuss racism, xenophobia and disabilities. Over 500 people from all districts of the province are expected to attend and the theme of the event is: ‘Promoting the right to equality to full and equal enjoyment of rights and freedoms for all citizens.’ One aspect of this will be the promotion of the broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) with licence conditions imposed on the five casinos in the province.

A spokesman for Finance and Economic Development said that the regulation of the gambling industry in the North West province could contribute significantly to various socio-economic imperatives. Casinos, having the potential to generate larger amounts of revenue, are seen as having the ability to positively impact on the region’s economic growth and development. At the moment casinos account for around R2 billion in provincial investments.

The licensing conditions imposed on the five North West casinos are intended to make available supervisory and management positions at the casinos to previously disadvantaged individuals. They also call for equity shareholding, skills transfer and training, and for casinos to contribute towards consolidating and promoting projects for needy communities. Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) would be considered for services to casinos as part of BEE.

Companies affected by these licensing conditions are Tusk Resorts with its flagship casino at Mmabatho and its newly opened Rio Casino in Klerksdorp, and Sun International’s Sun City, Morula Sun and the Carousel. Sun International has extensive programmes in place that contribute to social investment in community development, education, health and welfare, and sports, arts and culture. Tusk Resorts holds an award for the third year running as one of the top 300 black empowerment companies and is part of the Thebe Group, one of the most prestigious black empowerment organisations in South Africa.
(E-03.15.05)

© Copyright 2005 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage