Completely Against The Trend In South Africa
Or so says a senior lecturer at Wits University. This lecturer, Mr. Stephen Louw was referring to the latest in the on again, off again, on again and now what looks to off yet again saga in the seemingly never ending saga to legalize online gambling in South Africa.
Recall that just a few short weeks ago local media was reporting that this time around the new improved Remote Gambling Bill had a good chance of making its way through Parliament and becoming law. In fact, pundits were pointing out how Geordin Hill-Lewis had specifically tweaked the bill so that it would sail right through the legislative process.
Uh, not so much. In an incredible turn of events, none other than the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)dashed everyone’s hopes. The DTI made it crystal clear that the Department is staunchly against any such legalization. In fact the Department went so far as to issue a statement on their position saying: “…in our view no amount of control will adequately curb the harm that may be caused to South African citizens by online gambling, hence we reiterate that it must remain a banned activity”.
This pronouncement from the DTI stunned observers from around the world. In addition, the position of the DTI is in direct opposition to the recommendations of a commission specifically set up to study the issue. This commission looked at the issue in depth and issued their own recommendation some time ago. The commission made it clear that it supported the legalization of online gambling in South Africa with the caveat that any such activity be tightly regulated and controlled.
Mr. Stephen Louw responded to this pronouncement from the DTI with his own statement expressing his disbelief and surprise. He was quoted as saying: "This announcement goes completely against the trend in South Africa. It is difficult to understand where it is coming from but it is not through a democratic process. We were told that our report and its recommendations were adopte"”.
Hmm, curiouser and curiouser. On one hand you have what looks to be an easy passage of a new Remote Gambling Bill. On the other hand, you have what is starting to look like a rogue Department traipsing around and acting like a bully. One can’t help but wonder what is really going on behind closed doors at the DTI. At this point, it seems that it is up to Parliament to go ahead and act like leaders and decide.