• Stakeholders, public opportunity to contribute to legislation
• Step towards strengthening fiscal sustainability, generating own revenue, protecting and strengthening Provincial Revenue Fund
• GPU committed to responsible governance, accountability and long-term economic stability for KZN’s people
(Please note Tim Brauteseth sound bite in English)
The commencement of public hearings by KwaZulu-Natal’s Finance Portfolio Committee, on the Gaming and Betting Tax Bill, 2026 marks an important step towards strengthening the province’s fiscal sustainability and enhancing its ability to generate much-needed own revenue.
The hearings – scheduled to take place from today until 2 December 2026 – provide stakeholders and members of the public with an opportunity to contribute to legislation that could play a significant role in securing KZN’s long-term financial health.
The hearings are scheduled as follows:
10 November 2026, 10h00 – Main Chamber, KZN Legislature
11 November 2026, 10h00 – Uvongo Hall, Port Shepstone
1 December 2026, 10h00 – Moth Hall, Dundee
2 December 2026, 10h00 – Veldenvlei Hall, Richards Bay.
The Bill proposes a range of measures aimed at modernising KZN’s gaming and betting tax framework. These include updated tax rates, clearer definitions to prevent revenue leakage, and reforms designed to ensure that tax revenue is collected more effectively.
The proposed amendments seek to address outdated provisions, align legislation with developments in the gaming industry, and ensure that potential revenue is not lost through loopholes or misinterpretation.
Particularly welcome is the Bill’s focus on protecting and strengthening the Provincial Revenue Fund. The legislation seeks to ensure that KZN is not financially worse off following the reforms and that revenues generated from the gaming and betting sector continue to support broader provincial priorities.
The proposed changes will enhance KZN’s capacity to raise its own revenue at a time when fiscal pressures on provincial governments continue to grow.
The initiative also demonstrates a commitment to balancing economic development with responsible financial management. By creating a more sustainable and transparent revenue framework, the Bill supports the province’s efforts to reduce reliance on transfers and build a stronger foundation for service delivery and infrastructure investment.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the leadership shown by KZN Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, and the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in advancing these reforms. Their willingness to pursue practical measures that strengthen provincial finances, while inviting public participation, reflects a commitment to responsible governance, accountability and long-term economic stability for the people of KZN.