North West Gambling Board Honoured with PFMA 2024/25 Clean Audit Award

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) is celebrating another milestone in good governance after the North West Gambling Board (NWGB) was honoured with a PFMA 2024/25 Clean Audit Award at a prestigious ceremony held today at ANEW Hunters Rest Hotel in Rustenburg.

The event was graced by the MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane, who received the award on behalf of the Department. Also in attendance was the Head of Department, Relebohile Mofokane, alongside several dignitaries and stakeholders from the public sector.

The award represents a significant achievement, underscoring the Department and the Gambling Board’s commitment to sound financial management, transparency, and accountability. A clean audit outcome signifies that the Board’s financial statements are free from material misstatements, and that there were no material findings related to performance reporting or non-compliance with legislation — a benchmark often referred to as a “clean bill of health.”

The North West Gambling Board, a Schedule 3C public entity under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), is mandated to regulate gambling activities in the province. The entity’s ability to maintain strict financial discipline is vital, as it is funded through both government grants and self-generated revenue streams.

“The 2024/25 clean audit is not only a reflection of sound internal controls but also a testament to strong leadership and management within the Board,” said MEC Lenkopane. “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that all public entities under DEDECT operate with integrity and accountability.”

The accolade aligns with the North West Provincial Government’s broader vision of building a capable, ethical, and developmental state — one that prioritizes effective governance, enhanced financial management, and robust oversight.

Adding weight to the celebration, the Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Honourable Collen Maine, delivered an oversight address commending the Board’s consistent performance and dedication to clean governance. “Such achievements strengthen public confidence in our institutions and demonstrate that ethical leadership yields tangible results,” he said.

The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), whose constitutional mandate includes promoting accountability and transparency in the public sector, continues to play a pivotal role in upholding democratic values through such recognition.

The North West Gambling Board’s clean audit outcome sets a high standard for other public entities in the province and reaffirms DEDECT’s leadership in promoting good governance, fiscal prudence, and institutional excellence.