Dear Editor
During an oversight visit to the Caledon Casino, it was revealed to the Provincial Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism that the casino has spent over R4.5 million during the last four years on corporate social responsibility initiatives.
This has further enabled the casino to fulfil its corporate social responsibility requirements which are set by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB).
The funding has supported the Overberg Community Trust to support sports, health and welfare, animal welfare, environment and education to local residents in need.
Through good governance practices, set by the WCGRB, countless residents in the Overberg received critical support.
During the height of lockdown restrictions, the trust also disbursed food parcels to the value of R5000 each to 9 organizations for distribution to families facing hardship.
The Caledon Casino has further been committed to upskilling its workforce, particularly with regards to mathematical literacy, to the extent that they often see employees being poached by companies in other sectors.
The private sector has an important role to play in empowering and uplifting the communities around them.
That it is why it is essential that we ensure, through our oversight mechanisms, that companies do their fair share.
Going forward, a cluster visit report will be submitted tabling findings on the casino and their CSR initiatives. This will further be shared with the casino.
Regards
Cayla Murray, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism
