NSFAS cracks down as student gambling spirals
NSFAS and the National Gambling Board are collaborating to address rising gambling among students, funded by their financial aid.Summary
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the National Gambling Board (NGB) are launching a joint initiative to combat increasing gambling among tertiary students in South Africa. This intervention follows evidence that student allowances, intended for essential needs like rent and textbooks, are being diverted to gambling, particularly on illegal online platforms. NSFAS acting CEO Waseem Carrim emphasized that using funding for gambling jeopardizes students’ academic success and financial wellbeing. The campaign will focus on prevention, awareness, and informed decision-making, with harm reduction as a central pillar. The NGB expressed concern over the normalization of gambling through digital channels. Meanwhile, the Rise Mzansi party has criticized the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for its slow response to a broader gambling crisis, proposing reforms and advocating for a national online gambling tax.
(Source：Iol)