SOUTH AFRICA NW Gambling Board paid over R1m to companies linked to its chair 5 years ago Samuel Post Views: 931 Eyewitness News has learnt that the North West Gambling Board paid over R1 million to companies linked to its chairperson Lavelle Vere. Documents in EWN’s possession show that the companies were paid with funds meant to develop the community. Two sources said the money was part of a R5 million donation by Sun City Resort as part of its cooperate social investment. Vele did not deny the payments but insisted there was nothing untoward about them. When the Gambling Board received the funds from Sun City Resort, the intention was to spend them on community development projects. But EWN understands companies linked to the board chair walked away as beneficiaries. In August last year, the gambling board paid R300,000 to an NGO Bokone Bophirima Craft Design Institute. Vere features as a director there. He told EWN the funding was for a themed dance event. Earlier this year, another payment of over R100,000 from the funds was paid to an organisation called TTT Foundation for the leasing of a truck to load confiscated illegal gambling equipment. Vere is a former director of the organisation and admitted its mandate was to advance the arts. And just a month ago, R600,000 was paid by the Gambling Board to the South African Dance Foundation whose chair, Frans Seema, serves together with Vere as directors of Bokone Bophirima Craft Designs. Despite the evidence, Vere denied he personally benefitted from the funds or that he exerted influence on the gambling board to make the payments. Source: ewn.co.za About Post Author Samuel I am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos. See author's posts SamuelI am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Tags: gaming board SA, South Africa Continue Reading Previous Does gambling law in South Africa slow the economy of the country?Next South Africa – Drop in bookmaker turnover and prize cuts More Stories ONLINE SOUTH AFRICA NowNow Gaming partners with Hinterzimmer to deliver content across Africa 7 hours ago Samuel EXPERTS SOUTH AFRICA How technology is shaping the future of online casino regulation in South Africa 3 days ago Samuel ONLINE SOUTH AFRICA Tom Horn Gaming partners with Aardvark Technologies to expand into South Africa 3 days ago Samuel LOTTERIES SOUTH AFRICA Two South African players win life-changing jackpots in Lotto Plus draws 5 days ago Samuel LOTTERIES SOUTH AFRICA Former Lottery Boss Is Fighting To Keep The Proceeds Of His Crime 6 days ago Szarlot EXPERTS HOT NEWS SOUTH AFRICA Online gambling crackdown in South Africa 1 week ago Samuel EXPERTS SOUTH AFRICA The Battle Over Online Gambling Regulations Heats Up Globally 1 week ago Szarlot ONLINE SOUTH AFRICA How South Africa Will Lead Online Casino Trends In Africa In 2025 1 week ago Samuel EXPERTS SOUTH AFRICA Compulsive gambling, addiction under spotlight 2 weeks ago Samuel ONLINE SOUTH AFRICA From casinos to smartphones – the big shift in South Africa’s gambling market 2 weeks ago Szarlot BILLIARD HOT NEWS SOUTH AFRICA South Africa’s first World Eightball pool champion 2 weeks ago Samuel EXPERTS SOUTH AFRICA Gambling addiction and the issue of accountability 2 weeks ago Samuel Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.