Mpumalanga Economic Regulator uplifts the youth during information sharing session
The purpose of the gathering was to share information about the consequences of irresponsible alcohol use, gambling and drug consumption.
The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) gathered the youth of Tfolalwati Youth Development Centre at the KaNyamazane Community Hall on Friday August 2 for an information sharing session about the consequences of irresponsible gambling and alcohol and drug consumption.
The MER’s corporate relations manager, Judith Khoza, said they aimed to create a free and safe space to learn more ways in which the youth can uplift themselves.
“We invited our various stakeholders with whom we work closely, such as the South African National Responsible Gambling Foundation, the National Youth Development Agency, the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development and the Mentec Foundation.
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The representatives of these institutions presented ways how they help the community, especially the youth, to tackle social ills such as substance abuse and a lack of employment,” she said.
The MER’s ambassador and Miss Mpumalanga 2024, Bajabulise Thela, presented the services offered by the regulator, which is an entity of the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism that regulates the gambling and alcohol industries.
She encouraged the community to report illegal gambling and alcohol establishments to the local police.
Thela also encouraged the attendees to have limitations and boundaries when gambling or consuming alcohol. She told them to build a secure future for themselves through hard work and perseverance.
“As a young person, always look for ways to uplift and develop your skills. Do not waste your money on alcohol and gambling when you might end up using money that is meant for essential things.
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Alcohol and gambling are short-lived experiences for fun. The national gambling foundation offers free support and counselling for people who struggle with a gambling problem. This is a programme that anyone may access.”
To make the session a lot more interesting and appealing to the young attendees, a group of talented actors led by a versatile performer,Thokozani Dlala, performed a theatre sketch based on illegal gambling and alcohol abuse.
The attendees also took part in a quiz and won some prizes courtesy of the MER.
