The Gauteng Gambling Board has dismissed CEO Dr Karabo Mbele. The dismissal follows a forensic investigation that found alleged financial misconduct, procurement problems and governance failures at the South African provincial regulator.
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa announced the dismissal on May 18. CFO Oscar Maripane was also suspended with immediate effect pending an internal disciplinary process.
Forensic report flagged governance failures
The investigation was carried out by an independent legal team led by Advocate William Mokhare SC. It examined governance, spending and funding decisions inside the regulator.
The report accused Mbele of interfering in funding adjudication processes, approving allocations before governance procedures were completed and authorising payments without proper supporting documents.
It also found failures linked to oversight and accountability obligations.
The findings included alleged irregular allocation of R73 million in funds and improper disbursement of R23 million. Those issues had already drawn public and political attention before the dismissal.
CFO suspended as board faces wider review
Maripane’s suspension means the regulator is now dealing with pressure at both chief executive and finance levels. The disciplinary process against the CFO will run separately from Mbele’s dismissal.
The board regulates gambling activity in Gauteng, South Africa’s largest provincial economy and home to Johannesburg and Pretoria. Its responsibilities include casino, betting, bingo and limited payout machine oversight in the province.
A governance crisis at the regulator creates uncertainty for licence-holders and applicants that rely on stable supervision. It also puts more pressure on the provincial government to show that public funds and regulatory decisions are being handled properly.
Political pressure had been building
The dismissal follows earlier complaints and whistleblower reports about conduct inside the gambling board. Build One South Africa MP Ayanda Allie had also taken legal steps linked to alleged irregular funding decisions.
Ramokgopa’s department is now expected to manage the fallout while the regulator continues its day-to-day work. The immediate task is to stabilise leadership, complete the CFO process and decide whether further action is needed from the forensic report.
