PROGRAMME 3: CORPORATE SERVICES AND RESEARCH DIVISION (CSRD)

Purpose of the Programme

The Corporate Services and Research Division (CSRD) provides mandated operational core functions in terms of the National Gambling Act, 2004, (Act 7 of 2004). The division specifically provides a broad-based public education and awareness programme as well as an economic analysis of gambling sector performance of the industry. The CSRD provides support services to the NGB to ensure satisfactory internal and external stakeholder engagement, and seeks to attain a conducive work environment, which enhances business efficiency. CSRD comprises of the following subdivisions, Human Capital Optimisation (HCO), Legal Services, Research, IT, and Corporate Governance. The sub programmes of the CSRD are set out as follows:

Legal Services

Legal Services provides corporate legal services to the NGB in form of legal opinions, legal advice, legislative drafting, litigation, drafting and vetting of contracts and records management. Legal Services ensures that NGB’s interests are promoted and protected in its business operations and further ensures that the NGB operates within the ambit of the law. Records Management ensures that there is proper maintenance of records, access to and protection of information.

Corporate Governance

The Corporate Governance coordinates implementation of Planning and Reporting Frameworks to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of governance and achievement of performance deliverables. Corporate governance also focuses on Risk Management to assist with identification, assessment and mitigation of strategic, operational and reputational risks that may hinder the NGB from achieving its objectives.

Information and Communication Technology

The function of the ICT unit is to support the NGB in matters of ICT strategic development and maintenance of the communication and management systems, thereby safeguarding the assets of the NGB. The unit ensures that the ICT support functions are carried out in a manner that supports the strategic objectives and the mission statement of the NGB. ICT is geared at supporting and enhancing the overall organizational performance through the provision of assistive technologies.

Human Capital Optimisation

HCO focuses on integrated management of the work environment in order to optimise and nurture human capital to ensure business efficiency is obtained and ensure that there is a conducive environment wherein balanced labour relations are maintained.

Research and Advisory Services

Mandated in terms of S65(1) and S65(2) of the NGA, the NGB monitors socioeconomic patterns of gambling activity within the Republic; monitors gambling sector performance, market share and market conduct in the gambling industry. A broadbased public education programme about the risks and socio-economic impact of gambling will be facilitated through educational campaigns. The aim is to maintain social dialogue with industry stakeholders on the consequences of the overstimulation of gambling, compulsive and addictive gambling, and the negative impact of participating in any unregulated gambling activity.