Gauteng’s gambling regulator is facing a leadership shake-up after a forensic report pointed to governance failures, procurement issues, and alleged misuse of public resources.
CEO Removed with Immediate Effect
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa has fired Gauteng Gambling Board CEO Dr Karabo Mbele after an independent forensic investigation found alleged misconduct inside the regulator.
Ramokgopa announced the decision during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday, May 18, 2026. The report was compiled by an independent legal team led by Advocate William Mokhare SC.
According to Ramokgopa, the investigation uncovered serious governance breaches at the board, including alleged interference in funding adjudication, approval of funding before required processes were completed, payments made without supporting documents, and failures tied to compliance and oversight.
“As a result, I have terminated the contract of employment of the CEO, Dr Karabo Mbele, with immediate effect,” Ramokgopa said.
CFO Suspended Pending Disciplinary Process
The report also raised findings against Chief Financial Officer Oscar Maripane. Ramokgopa said these included failures in financial governance, procurement irregularities, non-compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, weak internal controls, and lapses in statutory reporting.
Maripane has been suspended while an internal disciplinary process plays out.
For ordinary players and operators, the turmoil matters because gambling boards are supposed to keep the market clean, licensed, and accountable. When the watchdog itself is accused of losing control of the basics, confidence takes a hit fast.
Whistleblowers Helped Crack the Case Open
Ramokgopa said the Gauteng Gambling Board had drawn multiple whistleblower complaints since she took office on April 1, 2026.
Many whistleblowers asked to remain anonymous while reporting alleged misconduct, maladministration, and abuse within the entity. The forensic findings backed up many of those complaints, according to the MEC.
“It has become clear to me that the status quo at the Gauteng Gambling Board cannot continue,” Ramokgopa said.
The board is also operating without a properly constituted governing board after several members resigned in December 2025. Ramokgopa said an administrator will be appointed while a new board is put in place.
Regulator Set for a Reset
Ramokgopa framed the shake-up as part of a wider effort to restore trust in Gauteng’s public entities and support the province’s economic reform plans.
She said the provincial government remains focused on commitments made at the second Gauteng Investment Conference, where more than R205 billion in investment pledges were secured. Gauteng is aiming for 3% GDP growth by 2030, stronger governance, better revenue collection, and the creation of 300 sustainable jobs.
The MEC also confirmed that the Gauteng Liquor Amendment Regulations had been approved by the legislature. The changes include a 7% increase in annual liquor licence fees, the first rise in seven years.
Ramokgopa thanked whistleblowers, former MEC Lebogang Maile for starting the forensic investigation, and Advocate Mokhare’s team for reviewing more than 80,000 pages of evidence over 12 months.
“Corruption, maladministration and the abuse of public resources will not be tolerated under this administration, and no individual will be above reproach,” she said.
