The South African Government Fires Head of The Gauteng’s Gambling Board Over Office Violations
The government of South Africa has fired the CEO of Gauteng province’s gambling regulator, Karabo Mbele.
Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture, and Rural Development in Gauteng, fired the CEO of the Gauteng Gambling Board. Also, the regulator’s chief financial officer, Oscar Maripane, has been laid off as well. The terminations came after investigations found that both had engaged in governance failures. Some of their shortcomings including funding processes, payment authorizations without documentation, and procurement irregularities.
Its believed they both worked together to embezzle funds and run the office affairs unfairly especially in any matter concerning finances. She noted that the pair has been under constant investigation for sometime now. Whistleblowers had filled complaints against the regulator, following Ramokgopa taking up her role on April 1, 2026.
Commenting on the firing she said: “It has become clear to me that the status quo at the Gauteng Gambling Board cannot continue. Corruption, maladministration, and the abuse of public resources will not be tolerated under this administration, and no individual will be above reproach. As a result, I have terminated the contract of employment of the CEO, Dr Karabo Mbele, with immediate effect.”
She added, “It is deeply concerning that since assuming office six weeks ago, I have been inundated with whistleblower reports. Many of whom requested to remain anonymous, citing various instances of misconduct, malfeasance, and maladministration at the gambling board.”
The Gauteng Gambling Board is currently not fully constituted following a wave of member resignations in December last year and now stumbles further after the firings. Promoting efficiency and transparency Political figures such as Ayanda Allie, have pushed for formal criminal charges to be laid against the axed leadership.
The province is now in the process of rebuilding GGB. The regulatory body appointed an administrator until a new board is established.
The Gauteng Gambling Board!
The firm is the official regulator for gambling activities in the Gauteng province of South Africa. GGB is a statutory body established under the Gauteng Gambling Act, No 4 of 1995. It reports directly to the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Department of Economic Development.
