LETTERS: Is gambling another political football?

Talk that KZN Premier Willies Mchunu intends taking over control of the province’s gambling industry from the KZN Treasury – under Finance MEC Belinda Scott – has again highlighted the deep divisions that still exist within the ANC in the KZN Legislature.
Former premier Senzo Mchunu backed the MEC on the court challenges relating to bingo licences being illegally awarded to certain operators by the previous Gaming and Betting Board – a matter that was highlighted by the DA in KZN. Eighteen months later these court challenges remain unresolved amid rumours that Premier Willies Mchunu is putting pressure on MEC Scott to back down on these cases.
The DA is dismayed that an important economic driver such as the KZN gaming industry is becoming nothing more than a political football.
It is highly irregular that politics and personal interest should be placed above the law. The DA will continue to monitor this situation. We are committed to ensuring that, above all else, the rule of law is enforced.
FRANCOIS RODGERS, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Finance
Pietermaritzburg