I attended the public hearing for the application for a gambling license at premises in Parliament Street in Central last Friday (subs: 30 Jul). What concerns me is that the hearings were held at the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board’s (ECGBB) premises in Beacon Bay, East London.

It is my understanding, and that of any reasonable person, that in the best interests of the community, a public hearing should be held as close to the affected community as possible, especially when the ECGBB is aware that there are in excess of fifty objections. Does this number not justify the board addressing the community directly?

For obvious reasons, none of the objectors could make it to the hearing due to the exorbitant cost of losing a day’s work, travelling to East London and back, etc. How can this be in the best interests of the community?

I have written to the HOD of the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs for clarity. I have also submitted legislature questions for written reply to ask the MEC whether he is aware that the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board (ECGBB) has its public hearings in East London, regardless of where the license application is for, making it difficult to members of the community to attend. I also want o know whether the MEC agrees that having in excess of 50 objections from the community justifies for the ECGBB or a departmental official meeting directly with the affected community and stakeholders to address their concerns.

If it is a case of the cost and time of the board members travelling to and from the meetings, then the operational policy should be re-looked to include a public hearing onsite and report thereof given by a departmental official to the board for consideration.

In reading some of the objections there is validity in what is being said and I strongly urge the department to make sure that the ECGBB has a meeting with the community before making a decision to grant the licence.

Yours faithfully

John Cupido, DA spokesperson on Economic Affairs

Bhisho Legislature