Karabo Mbele, CEO of the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB), expressed optimism about the board’s future as controversies surrounding her appointment and other issues begin to settle. Mbele, who took on the role just over a year ago, faced allegations of maladministration and corruption from a group of dismissed employees. However, investigations have since vindicated her actions and appointment.
Reflecting on her tenure, Mbele emphasized the challenges faced in stabilizing the organization and its operations, stating, “We had been trying to play nice and be friends with the casino owners, and as a result, we were overtaken by other provinces. However, we are now in a better position as we try to fill some of the vacancies and are attracting the right skills.”
Addressing the corruption allegations, Mbele dismissed them as baseless, remarking, “It had become a norm for people to bark at a moving car rather than a stationary one.” She asserted that corruption within the organization had been dealt with appropriately, following the Public Finance Management Act guidelines and implementing robust consequence management.
One of the sources of the discomfort was Gauteng Economic Development MEC Tasneem Motara, who ordered the dissolution of the board due to alleged mass resignations. However, Mbele clarified that her appointment was cleared by the court, with no wrongdoing found.
Mbele also highlighted the board’s efforts in combating illegal online gambling. In the past year, the GGB has shut down over 400 illegal gambling sites, demonstrating the effectiveness of their systems in addressing technology-driven illegal gambling. Mbele urged license holders to collaborate with the board in eradicating illegal gambling and increasing revenue.
As the dust settles over the challenges faced, Mbele aims to restore the GGB to its former glory and ensure the board fulfills its mandate of revenue collection for the provincial government.
