ACDP endorses SACP's remarks against gambling
Rev Kenneth Meshoe

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) endorses the South African Communist Party’s remarks regarding the issue of gambling. Yesterday, SACP general secretary, Blade Nzimande, said gambling was undermining the struggle to eradicate poverty in South Africa and called on government to review gambling and the lottery, as these further impoverish poor.

“SACP’s Blade Nzimande is correct in saying that South Africa should be a productive and not a gambling country. This is what the ACDP has been saying from the beginning. Gambling encourages people to take chances and not to work hard. And the ACDP wants to see a culture of hard work cultivate in our country.” said ACDP President, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe.

“Our people must know that there are rich dividends and rewards for hard work and not hope that ‘lady luck’ will visit them with the right lotto numbers or a smile at the slot machines.”

“We trust that government takes seriously what the ACDP has been saying about gambling and now listens to its alliance partner, the SACP, who is correct on this issue.”

“Gambling has made many poor South Africans poorer, devastated homes and caused those who are hooked to do silly things like selling off their personal and household goods to finance their addiction. A government that cares will not ignore calls from responsible citizens who care about the poor. “

“The ACDP calls on government to make an objective assessment on the impact of gambling on society and investigate the desirability of the need of legalised gambling. We trust that government’s conclusions will be a commitment to protect our society, particularly the poor, from the evils of gambling.”

“We believe that gambling has made too many people poor, miserable and homeless. It should be outlawed.”