Audit and Compliance Manager

Zuko Sydwell Phandle, Manager: Audit and Compliance at Eastern Cape Gambling Board in an exclusive interview with iGaming AFRIKA, explained that the Board’s sustained clean audit outcomes are rooted in strong governance, leadership stability, and a disciplined risk-based regulatory approach adopted as early as 2015. This shift allowed the organisation to move beyond checklist compliance toward a more agile model that aligns regulation with strategy, operations, and long-term objectives. Zuko noted that rapid technological change and the expansion of digital and unregulated gambling have introduced increasingly complex compliance risks such as limited access to real-time regulatory technology, uneven connectivity in rural areas, and more sophisticated illegal operations. In response, the Board has intensified oversight of gambling systems, financial integrity, and information security to ensure continued compliance with legislation and licence conditions. Phandle said this includes auditing gambling and betting systems, reviewing online platforms and applications, and assessing system resilience through cybersecurity, penetration, and vulnerability reviews. On illegal gambling, he highlighted joint enforcement operations with law enforcement, investigations into unlicensed machines such as Chinese Roulette, and the seizure and destruction of illegal equipment. These efforts are supported by ongoing collaboration with municipalities, traditional leaders, churches, NGOs, property owners, and responsible gambling bodies to disrupt illegal networks, educate communities, and protect vulnerable groups. Read the full interview through the link in the comments! 👇 #iGaming #iGamingAFRIKA #GamblingIndustry #iGaming #SouthAfrica #Regulation #ECGB