The highly anticipated annual “Lobelo La Dipitsi” horse racing event is finally set to launch on March 29, 2025, in Vryburg, Naledi Local Municipality, after facing significant postponements.
Originally dated for October 26, 2024, in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, the event was delayed due to unforeseen logistical and financial challenges. A subsequent rescheduling for February 15, 2025, also proved unsuccessful. The initial postponements were due to a combination of lack of public participation, logistical challenges and funding shortfalls. The initial site in Motswedi Village required extensive clearing to create a race track. Preparations at the identified site were hampered when the Department of Public Works’ machinery, deployed to clear the land for a race track, experienced significant breakdowns and could not be repaired or replaced in a timely manner. Insufficient funds and sponsorships also contributed to the delay in ensuring a successful event.
The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) as the regulatory body for gambling activities in the province, has secured a fully equipped (Horse Race-track) venue in Vryburg to host the inaugural event. The NWGB has partnered with Mompati Horse Race for Change, an organization with a proven track record in organizing traditional horse racing events in the province to bring ‘Lobelo La Dipitsi’ to fruition. “We are delighted to bring ‘Lobelo La Dipitsi’ back on track through our partnership with Mompati Horse Race for Change,” stated the NWGB Accounting Authority, Boitumelo Qalinge. He emphasized that “Their expertise and commitment to social transformation aligns perfectly with our vision for this event, this is not a contract with Mompati Horse Race for Change, it is a partnership that will ensure that all the North West Horseracing Communities are included and take part in this inaugural event.”
The NWGB is dedicated and always ready to partner with organizations that uplift communities such as Mompati Horse Race for Change. The organization’s efforts extend beyond the racetrack, addressing critical issues such as combating gender-based violence, raising awareness about prostate cancer, and empowering disadvantaged youth through equestrian therapy and tourism. The Mompati Horse Race for Change organization is 100% black-owned and led by youth and women, demonstrating a commitment to social transformation through equestrian sport.
This collaboration aligns with the core values of NWGB and its socio-economic development policy dedicated to the upliftment of communities through various impactful avenues. Targeted programmes of SED include amongst others contribution to the Province’s education and skills base; food security and poverty alleviation projects; improvement of sports and culture, including social cohesion projects; as well as promote responsible gambling and combat illegal gambling. “The NWGB is committed to supporting organizations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities”, emphasized Mr. Qalinge. He further detailed that, “The collaboration is expected to leverage the resources and expertise of both organizations to amplify their impact.”
The NWGB, with the support of the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), aims to rotate the “Lobelo La Dipitsi” event annually, throughout the province, ensuring various communities benefit from its economic and social impact. We acknowledge the initial disappointment of the Ramotshere Moiloa community and the relocation of the event from Local Municipality that was unavoidable due to the aforementioned circumstances. The NWGB reassures residents and emphasizes that ‘Lobelo La Dipitsi’ remains a provincial event designed to stimulate local tourism and support small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) across the North West Province.
The North West Gambling Board also extends its sincere apology to the community of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality and Nongo’s Joint Farm for the delayed official communication in the change of venue.
The NWGB encourages the entire North West community, including the residents of Ramotshere Moiloa LM, to support the event in Vryburg, stressing that ‘Lobelo La Dipitsi’ is a shared initiative promoting empowerment and social cohesion for all communities in the province.
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Issued by Office of the Acting Chief Executive Officer
North West Gambling Board
For inquiries, contact:
Lerato Mokgoje
Acting Corporate Relations Manager
Cell: 072 250 0929/ Landline: (018) 384 3215
Email: lmokgoje@nwgb.co.za / ceo@nwgb.co.za