As a regulator, the NLC continues to face challenges in the lotteries industry that include conflicting legislation and different regulators for gambling and lotteries which creates ambiguity in regulation and a lack of enforcement powers to effectively regulate lotteries.
The NLC will pro-actively reach out to Provincial Gambling Boards so as to resolve conflict of interpreting legislation for Provincial Gambling Boards and the NLC. To be effective in the regulation of lotteries and sports pools, priority should be given to reviewing the institutional framework of the NLC and to support the harmonisation of gambling and lottery legislation.
The NLC will finalise its legislative review process intended to guide policy makers in ensuring that the NLC is afforded enforcement powers in the Lotteries Act beyond those of approaching the court for effective regulation and enforcement of the Act.
The current National Lottery model requires review in terms of government shareholding in the Operator, as this affects the independence of the NLC to effectively regulate. The minimum percentage contribution to good causes should be determined by the Board and be included in the Request for Proposals to appoint an Operator.
The NLC will continue to drive National Lottery participant protection through the implementation of the approved Participant Protection Strategy.
Online gaming remains a widening option for consumers, also threatening the revenue generated by traditional lottery operators. The NLC will look at innovative and agile solutions to creating a safer lotteries and sports pools industry.
In terms of the NLC’s grant funding mandate, the NLC will continue to provide education and awareness, but more importantly structured capacity building aimed at enhancing corporate governance understanding in the leadership and management of the organisations we fund. The structure capacity buildings are intended to capacitate beneficiaries to reduce conflicts within organisations that ultimately compromise projects funded and impact on the NLC’s reputation and integrity.
ECD legacy project
The NLC embarked on the ECD legacy project in 2015/16 in an effort towards national development and quality of early childhood education in line with the 2030 plan. To achieve this, the NLC funded 203 ECDs which included 95 buildings and 108 containers in 9 provinces to date, the total investment amounting to R329 000 000.
Funding was also made available to cater not only for infrastructure but also towards formal training and development of practitioners in NQF qualifications and operations of these centers.
Each class brick and mortar class accommodates 120 learners translating into approximately 11 280 learners benefiting directly annually. The Educontainers have accommodated 60 learners respectively resulting in 6 480 learners directly benefitting.
The economic spin-offs for the communities that have benefited from this investment include job creation for not only construction but also the administration of the ECD centres. The contractors involved in building the structures have benefitted from enhanced grading allowing them to tap into future economic opportunities. All procurement was localized as it was a pre-requisite for beneficiaries to procure services and labour from local service providers.
The NLC’s monitoring and evaluation activities were supported by NLC accredited panel of engineers who ensured the quality of structured delivered to communities were in line with legislated requirements and standards.
The ECD centres themselves have experienced fast-tracked development through provision of Structured Capacity Building training opportunities wherein participants obtained NQF levels 4 – 7 certifications for ECD Practitioners. The ECD centres enrollment increased following occupation of the respective centres and improvement in compliance requirements have afforded the centres further funding opportunities from various stakeholder.
The NLC has changed vast majority of South African children through the ECD centres and improved communities.
