logo
SARGF demands action on gambling and mental health

SARGF demands action on gambling and mental health

The Citizen27-04-2025

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is drawing attention to the policy issues of problem gambling as a mental health concern and the legislative frameworks in place to support affected individuals.
'Problem gambling, recognised as a mental health disorder, can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities.
'SARGF emphasises the importance of rehabilitation processes and the need to address legislative gaps to ensure comprehensive protection for vulnerable people.
'The foundation calls upon policy and lawmakers to develop a multi-cross-departmental policy,' said SARGF executive director Sibongile Simelane-Quntana.
Simelane highlighted that the Constitution of South Africa enshrines the right to access healthcare services, including mental health care, under Section 27(1)(a).
She mentioned that this provision underscores the state's obligation to provide adequate support and treatment for individuals struggling with mental health challenges, including gambling addiction.
'As a leading non-profit company (NPC), the SARGF reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights of problem gamblers to access quality mental health care and rehabilitation services, ensuring no one is left behind.
'Access to mental health care is a fundamental right and problem gambling is a serious life-changing experience that requires urgent attention.
'We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals affected by gambling addiction receive the support and treatment they need to rebuild their lives despite limited resources. No one should face this struggle alone,' said Simelane-Quntana.
'Problem gambling requires a compassionate and comprehensive response. While the self-exclusion and third-party exclusion mechanisms are valuable tools, we must address the gaps in our legislation to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
'Human Rights Month is an opportune time to reflect on how we can better protect the rights and dignity of those affected by gambling addiction,' concluded Simelane-Quintana.
The Foundation's primary objectives are
Education: Raising public awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction and promoting responsible gambling habits.
Counselling: Providing support and counselling to individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
Monitoring: Evaluating gambling trends to influence policy and advocate for effective treatment of gambling addiction.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Industry says scientific innovation could reshape the tobacco landscape in South Africa
Industry says scientific innovation could reshape the tobacco landscape in South Africa

IOL News

time40 minutes ago

  • IOL News

Industry says scientific innovation could reshape the tobacco landscape in South Africa

South Africa ranked 60th out of 158 countries, 'indicating moderate resistance to illicit trade, but with notable vulnerabilities in areas such as supply chain control and enforcement' capacity. Image: Supplied The government in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent has been urged to consider scientific evidence and innovation when coming up with policies and regulations for the tobacco industry. As experts highlight the dangers associated with tobacco consumption, players in the industry are pushing for the adoption and 'proper regulation of smoke-free nicotine' products. Industry players are basing their approach on scientific innovation and data pointing to tobacco harm reduction through adoption of what they are calling "safer nicotine products" that are smoke-free. This comes at a time when smoking and tobacco consumption is on the increase across Africa, sharply contrasting other developed regions where trends are pointing to a decline in smoking. Nonetheless, Branislav Bibic who is Philip Morris International vice president for Sub-Saharan Africa, on Tuesday said tobacco consumers in South Africa 'are following global trends as they are embracing new' categories that are smokeless. 'Our experience in South Africa is that once these products are made widely available at an accessible price, and consumers are provided accurate information about their benefits, we see a significant switching from cigarettes to smokeless products,' Bibic said at the Technovation Summit in Cape Town. 'Our estimates in South Africa show that already around 20% of the South African legal cigarette market has been replaced by non-smoking products.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Among the sharp differences between the government of South Africa and the value chain industry for tobacco are issues related to the proliferation and best practices in addressing illicit trade. The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) has criticised the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill for overlooking 'key realities' on the ground, arguing that the legislation has to stamp out illicit trade in goods and substances. In oral presentations to the parliamentary portfolio committee this month, the CGCSA - which represents companies spanning consumer goods, retail and services sectors - said the tobacco products legislation currently lacks measures to root out the 'unchecked black market and its impact on legal industry value chain and public revenue' flows. Although in South Africa there is currently contested debates over the Tobacco Bill that seeks to bundle together regulation of tobacco cigarettes and smoke-free nicotine products, PMI believes that it will be easy to roll-out these products elsewhere across the continent. This is, however, dependent on these markets putting in place clear and conducive regulatory frameworks. 'Africa can address the smoking epidemic. Let's choose innovation and science and we can help millions of Africans move over to a future free of smoke,' Bibic said.

The Delivery That Couldn't Wait — And Why Businesses Trust DPD to Make It Happen
The Delivery That Couldn't Wait — And Why Businesses Trust DPD to Make It Happen

Daily Maverick

time6 hours ago

  • Daily Maverick

The Delivery That Couldn't Wait — And Why Businesses Trust DPD to Make It Happen

At 7:15 am on a chilly Tuesday in Johannesburg, a lab technician at one of the city's busiest private hospitals placed an urgent call. A vital piece of diagnostic equipment had failed overnight. Without it, hundreds of blood tests — some linked to life-threatening conditions — would be delayed. The replacement component was sitting in a courier depot 25 kilometres away. But standard delivery would take hours — time the hospital simply didn't have. That's when DPD got the call. Within minutes, a driver familiar with the hospital's emergency procedures was dispatched. Real-time tracking kicked in. Staff at the hospital could see the parcel's journey in real time, all the way to the lab door. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads By 9:00 am, the component was installed. Testing resumed. Lives were potentially saved. In Business, Not Every Delivery Is Just a Parcel Across South Africa, situations like this unfold every day — in hospitals, law firms, banks, engineering firms, government departments, and more. And in a world where precision, security, and speed matter more than ever, businesses are rethinking what they expect from a courier partner. DPD has built its reputation by delivering not just parcels, but peace of mind — becoming a trusted name for specialist deliveries where failure simply isn't an option. Built for South Africa's High-Stakes Sectors Some deliveries can wait. Some can't. DPD specialises in the latter. By blending global logistics expertise with a deep understanding of South African business needs, DPD supports industries where trust, security, and accountability are paramount. Healthcare: Every Second Counts When DPD handles deliveries, they know what's at stake. Whether it's transporting stethoscopes, over-the-counter medication, or medical equipment, DPD's courier solutions are engineered for absolute reliability in time sensitive situations. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads With real-time tracking, secure handling, and highly reliable drivers, DPD helps hospitals and labs operate without fear of disruption. Legal: Protecting Confidentiality South Africa's top legal firms trust DPD to move sensitive legal documents where discretion and security matter most. Court filings, contracts, and confidential paperwork are protected by strict chain-of-custody protocols, with trained drivers and real-time status updates ensuring that nothing goes astray. Financial: Safeguarding Core Operations In finance, security and compliance can't be compromised. DPD works with banks and financial institutions to transport everything from negotiable instruments to sensitive reports, using advanced security systems and regulatory-compliant procedures. It's not just about moving parcels — it's about protecting a business's most valuable information. Beyond the Boardroom It's not just healthcare, legal, or financial sectors that need trusted courier partners. From architects sending blueprints, to engineering firms moving sensitive components, to government departments ensuring document integrity — DPD brings the same standard of excellence to every delivery. Why More South African Businesses Are Choosing DPD Here's why a growing number of South African businesses — large and small — are making the switch to DPD: advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 1. Real-time tracking that works Clients and their customers know exactly where their parcel is, from pickup to delivery. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 2. Personal service Every delivery matters. Whether it's a legal brief or a hearing aid, DPD treats each item with the care and urgency it deserves. 3. Global capability, local touch Backed by a global network, but with a relationship-driven local service ethos, DPD drivers often become known and trusted partners for clients. 4. Industry-specific solutions From healthcare to finance to eCommerce, DPD offers customised delivery models to suit each sector's unique needs. 5. Reliability you can count on When things go wrong — and sometimes they do — DPD's proactive communication and ownership of issues build genuine trust with clients and their customers. Final Word: Why Settle for 'Good Enough'? If your current courier partner is causing delays, stress, or reputational risk, now is the time to rethink. With DPD, you gain a delivery partner that understands the critical role logistics plays in your business success. From life-saving medical deliveries to secure legal and financial shipments, DPD helps South African businesses operate with confidence. Because sometimes, a delivery isn't just a delivery. It's the difference between success and failure — or between life and death. DM advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Author: Charn Needham, DPD correspondent

Groundbreaking study finds new genes in black women causing breast cancer
Groundbreaking study finds new genes in black women causing breast cancer

TimesLIVE

time6 hours ago

  • TimesLIVE

Groundbreaking study finds new genes in black women causing breast cancer

Black South African women have been found to have two new genes that make them susceptible to breast cancer. Research done by the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) at the Witwatersrand University found genetic factors that contribute to about 30% of breast cancer (BC) cases in South Africa. 'These genes have not been associated with the disease before, which is an important advance in understanding breast cancer risk and biology in women of African ancestry,' said Dr Mahtaab Hayat, a lead author of the study. The two new genetic variants were identified in black South African women with breast cancer enrolled in the Johannesburg Cancer Study, compared to women without cancer in the Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Research (AWI-Gen) study. Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in South Africa and the most common cancer in women globally, with genetic factors contributing to about 30% of cases. 'Our study makes a compelling case for investing in genomic research rooted in African contexts,' said Hayat. All participants were from the Soweto region, with 2,485 population cases and 1,101 control cases. The South African BC cases and controls were well-matched and clustered, while the non-South African samples and West African populations were distinct from South African populations. The Genome-Wide Association study (Gwas), which is the first to focus on black women on the continent, was published in the journal Nature Communications. It brings to the fore the importance of deepening knowledge about the genetic basis of the disease. In the past, most breast cancer genetics research has focused on European and Asian populations, with studies of African ancestry limited primarily to African-American women, who largely descend from West African populations. A tool that estimates lifetime cancer risk based on DNA, the polygenic risk score (PRS), performed poorly in distinguishing South African women with breast cancer from those without. Dr Jean-Tristan Brandenburg, also in the SBIMB and a lead author, said this was a result of the mechanism not being tailored for the black population. 'This is because most PRSs were developed in European populations, and their inaccuracy in African populations highlights the urgent need for ancestry-specific tools in cancer risk prediction,' Brandenburg said. African populations have more genetic variation than any other population in the world, but they have been significantly underrepresented in genomic research. This means that the global understanding of disease risk and the tools and treatment developed from it are limited. 'The study reveals that more people can benefit from genetic discoveries. It proves that new risk factors are still out there, waiting to be found,' says Hayat.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store