Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board Vacancies: Process & shortlisting

Meeting report

The Chairperson, Ms C Murray (DA), greeted everyone and introduced herself. She then welcomed everyone to the briefing on the way forward for the interviews for the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB). Next, she invited the Members to introduce themselves, followed by the officials.

After the introductions, the Chairperson handed over to the Department to begin their presentation.

Mr A Van der Westhuizen (DA) acknowledged receipt of the presentation. He noted that the initial slides covered procedural and legislative matters, but later slides might contain highly personal information. He sought guidance on whether the meeting should be closed before discussing candidates in detail, especially regarding the probity report. He proposed closing the meeting at that stage if personal details were to be discussed.

The Chairperson acknowledged the proposal and outlined the plan for the meeting. She suggested starting with the Western Cape Provincial Treasury presentation first, followed by an open question-and-answer session. After that, the discussion on the probity presentation would occur, and the meeting could be closed at that point. The Chairperson then invited Mr Booysen to proceed.

Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board Application Process

Mr Malcolm Booysen, Director: Fiscal Policy, Western Cape Provincial Treasury, delineated the requirements and procedures governing the appointment of members to the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB). He first relayed apologies on behalf of the Head of Department and Acting Deputy Director-General and the Chief Director.

He elucidated that the process is governed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Act of 1996 and its accompanying regulations, which aim to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection of Board members.

The WCGRB is comprised of seven part-time members appointed by the Executive Council, who adhere to prescribed procedures involving public participation in the nomination of candidates. He emphasised the importance of considering gender sensitivity in appointments. Eligibility criteria for potential members include possessing relevant knowledge or experience, citizenship, residency in the province, good financial standing, and the absence of disqualifying circumstances as outlined in the Act.

The appointment process comprises several steps: nomination of candidates, submission of application forms, a period for public comments, evaluation by the Standing Committee of the Provincial Legislature, shortlisting of candidates, and final appointment by the Executive Council. Mr Booysen stressed that each phase is carefully designed to ensure appointed members are well-equipped to fulfil their roles effectively and with integrity.

The presentation also provided an overview of the current status of the application process, including the number of nominations received, the completion of probity investigations, and the qualifications of existing Board members. It highlighted the shortlisting criteria applied, which prioritise diversity and relevant expertise among candidates.

Mr Booysen mentioned that the Standing Committee may choose to conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates, and Provincial Treasury is prepared to offer assistance by providing interview questions and guidance. Ultimately, he stated that the Standing Committee will evaluate candidates and make recommendations to the Executive Council for final consideration, ensuring that the WCGRB comprises capable individuals who can effectively regulate the gambling and racing industry in the Western Cape.

Here are the candidates mentioned in the presentation:

• Mr Terence Arendse
• Mr James Daniel Albanie
• Mr Claude Bassuday
• Mr Ashley C Seymour
• Mr David Lakay
• Mr Jason Jacobs
• Mr Somarelang Namane
• Mr Asogen Chetty
• Mr Derick Fredericks
• Ms Claire Horton
• Ms Berenice Lucas
• Ms Noloyiso Mayekiso:
• Ms Lizanne Venter
• Ms Chuma Fani

These individuals were among the candidates shortlisted for consideration for appointment to the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB).

(See attached document for comprehensive information regarding qualifications and pertinent work experience of the candidates)

Discussion

The Chairperson thanked Mr Booysen and then opened the floor for questions related to the presentation. She reminded the Members that the next portion of the meeting would not be open to the public – to protect the details of those mentioned in the probity report. The Chairperson then asked the Members to raise their hands and indicate if they had any questions regarding the presentation.

Mr Van der Westhuizen acknowledged that while there were no questions, he wanted to highlight the importance of the 14 applications received, noting that they were mostly strong and aligned with the required criteria. He emphasised his appreciation for individuals willing to undergo the rigorous application process, including disclosing personal financial details. He conveyed his gratitude to all involved parties, including the Department and contractors who aided in the probity report, emphasising the Committee's recognition of the extensive effort involved.

The Chairperson then suggested a short four-minute break, allowing the Procedural Officer and the IT team to close the meeting. Once closed, they would notify the team to commence their presentation when the meeting resumed in a closed session. The decision to close the meeting to the public was made to safeguard personal information.

The remainder of the meeting was closed to the public