Lebogang Maile
By Neo Mofokeng
Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, has launched a formal Committee of Inquiry and appointed a Legal Expert to probe allegations of corruption, maladministration, and unlawful conduct at the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB), Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB), and Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA). The interventions follow multiple allegations of unethical governance, including fraudulent liquor licensing and financial mismanagement within provincial entities.
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A Decisive Intervention by the Gauteng Provincial Government
Addressing the media on Sunday, 15 June 2025, MEC Lebogang Maile confirmed that the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) had acted decisively upon receiving complaints related to systemic failures and irregular conduct within the GLB and GGB. “We have appointed a Committee of Inquiry to investigate the allegations of corruption and unlawful activities at the Gauteng Liquor Board and a Legal Expert to investigate allegations levelled against the GGDA and the Gauteng Gambling Board,” said Maile.
These interventions form part of the GPG’s broader commitment to ethical governance, accountability, and the restoration of public trust in state-owned entities.
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Investigating the Gauteng Liquor Board: Criminal Charges and Dismissals
The spotlight has fallen squarely on the Gauteng Liquor Board, where allegations emerged of officials engaging in criminal activities such as soliciting bribes to fast-track liquor licence applications and issuing fraudulent permits. Maile revealed that these allegations were swiftly referred to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Firearm, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Unit.
Following a focused criminal investigation, five officials were found to be directly involved, charged, prosecuted, and ultimately dismissed from the Board. This outcome marked a critical first step in purging corruption from the GLB and sending a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
“These were not just accusations — they were substantiated, and action has been taken. We are rebuilding public confidence, one decision at a time,” said Maile.
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Committee of Inquiry: Restoring Integrity at the Liquor Board
To address deeper systemic issues, Maile announced the formal establishment of a 15-member Committee of Inquiry, mandated to conduct a full-scale investigation into the GLB’s operations and recommend corrective measures.
The Committee’s scope includes:
• Investigating fraudulent and corrupt activities;
• Examining illegal and unethical practices related to licence issuing;
• Reviewing the administration and governance framework of the Board;
• Providing evidence-based recommendations for restoring compliance and transparency.
The panel will also assess whether the existing legislative and operational frameworks are sufficient to prevent abuse and suggest necessary amendments.
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Committee of Inquiry Members
The Committee is chaired by Fhedzisani Pandelani, with Advocate Oscar Mudimeli as Deputy Chairperson. Other members include:
1. Adv Brenda Madumise
2. Nalini Maharaj
3. Ntombifuthi Mthembu
4. Elmarie Tise
5. Jennifer Rankeng
6. Phillemon Magolego
7. Joseph Mugerwa
8. Mabollane Ragoale
9. Mpho Sonia Mosing
10. Anina Popovic
11. Phindile Kunene
12. Maloke Margin Mashabela
13. Murendeni Irwin Nemalale
This diverse team of professionals brings expertise in law, governance, public administration, and compliance—ensuring the inquiry is both credible and comprehensive.
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Legal Expert Appointed to Investigate the Gambling Board and GGDA
Maile also confirmed that a senior legal team has been appointed to probe allegations levelled against the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA). Leading the investigation is Advocate William Mokhare SC, appointed through the State Attorney, assisted by Advocate Lerato and Advocate Neo Ntingane.
The Legal Expert will focus on:
• Financial management and governance;
• Human resources and labour practices;
• Procurement and supply chain management;
• Board governance and oversight;
• Compliance with legislation and regulatory frameworks.
Maile stressed the importance of impartiality and rigour: “The Legal Expert will ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, thorough, and credible, and that the findings and recommendations are based on a rigorous and impartial analysis of the evidence.”
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Rooting Out Deep-Rooted Problems in Public Entities
The Gauteng Liquor Board and Gauteng Gambling Board, both tasked with overseeing high-risk, high-revenue sectors, have been operating under public scrutiny for years. Allegations of irregular tender awards, nepotism, abuse of regulatory powers, and weak oversight have dogged both institutions.
Maile acknowledged that while some allegations remain untested, the government cannot afford to ignore warning signs.
“Institutions tasked with regulatory oversight in sectors such as liquor and gambling must be beyond reproach. These industries are prone to criminal infiltration, and the government must lead from the front in safeguarding their integrity,” he said.
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Strengthening Governance and Compliance
Maile’s intervention signals a shift towards greater institutional accountability, particularly within provincial regulatory bodies. The process is expected to result in the following:
• Disciplinary action against officials found to have committed wrongdoing;
• Legal referrals where criminal conduct is identified;
• Reform of internal governance and reporting structures;
• Introduction of stronger compliance monitoring mechanisms.
A final report, including findings and recommendations from both the Committee of Inquiry and the Legal Expert, will be presented to Maile and made available for public scrutiny, underscoring the administration’s commitment to transparency.
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Political and Public Reaction
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism. Civil society groups, particularly those advocating for clean governance and fair licensing practices, welcomed the intervention but called for continued public updates and accountability.
Stakeholders in the liquor and gambling sectors, meanwhile, expressed concern about potential disruptions but recognised the long-term benefit of clean and efficient regulatory bodies.
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Broader Context: Cleaning House in Gauteng Government
The latest developments come amid a broader push by the Gauteng Provincial Government to root out corruption, improve service delivery, and restore the credibility of public institutions. Since taking office, MEC Maile has emphasised the importance of sound financial governance, transparent administration, and strict compliance across all entities under his purview.
In his concluding remarks, Maile stated:
“There is no room for corruption in this administration. We will do everything possible to ensure the integrity of institutions that regulate crucial sectors of our economy. Where wrongdoing exists, we will act swiftly and decisively.”
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