A Sermon Focused on Pressure at Home and Abroad

In his address, Makgoba spoke about instability in the Middle East, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the violence in Sudan, saying these crises continue to affect ordinary people far beyond their borders. He linked global conflict to daily life in South Africa by pointing to fuel costs, pressure on food prices and the wider sense of uncertainty many people are already living with.

He also turned to problems closer to home. Makgoba criticised corruption, referred to the killings of whistle-blowers and witnesses, and spoke about gang violence and domestic violence continuing to damage communities. He said public trust is being undermined by the confusion around allegations involving senior police figures, even while recognising that many officers still serve the public with commitment and empathy.

Why Online Gambling Stood Out in the Speech

Against that backdrop, Makgoba described online gambling as an issue that is not receiving enough attention, especially because of how easy it has become to access and the harm it can cause when people lose control of their spending. He pointed to figures from a National Treasury discussion paper showing annual betting revenue in South Africa rising sharply over five years, from about ZAR 10.6 billion to ZAR 52 billion, with online betting estimated at more than ZAR 44 billion a year.

That is a major shift, and it helps explain why gambling is now being discussed not only as an industry story, but as a broader social issue. When public figures raise concerns in this way, it reflects how visible online betting has become in everyday South African life.

Why Legal and Trusted Sites Matter for Players

Makgoba’s warning will resonate with many readers, especially at a time when more South Africans are encountering gambling offers online. But there is an important distinction to make between unsafe operators and platforms that focus on player protection, transparency and responsible gambling.

For players who do choose to bet online, the safest route is to stick to legal and trusted gambling sites that are clear about who they are, how they operate and what tools they offer to help customers stay in control. That is also why our site focuses on casinos that aim to provide a safer and more reliable online environment for South African players.

The growth of online gambling means players need better information, not less. Concerns about harm should push more attention towards trusted, regulated options and responsible gambling standards, so people can make informed choices in a safer setting.