By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The MEC for Finance and Economic Development Lebogang Maile appointed Committee of Inquiry and the Legal experts to probe allegations of corruption, maladministration, and unlawful conduct at the Gauteng government owned entities.
Maile briefed the media on government owned entities.
The entities are Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB), Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB), and Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA).
Addressing the media on Sunday, 15 June 2025, Maile confirmed that the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) had acted decisively upon receiving complaints related to systemic failures and irregular conduct within the GLB, Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA).
“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 GGB,” 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.
The 15 members of the committee were selected from a pool of 280 nominations received by 21 March 2025, following a public call published in the Government Gazette and other media platforms.
Chaired by Fhedzisani Pandelani and supported by Deputy Chairperson Oscar Mudimeli, the committee members include professionals with legal, administrative and regulatory experience.
Its mandate includes investigating unlicensed or illegal liquor production and sales, including the proliferation of unsafe products and tax evasion; and smuggling and tax evasion, which undermine regulatory frameworks and government revenue.
In addition, it will look into counterfeiting of liquor products, endangering consumers and damaging legitimate businesses; health and safety violations, especially concerning unsafe production, storage, and distribution; and bribery and corruption in the licensing process.
The committee will also assess the operational effectiveness of the GLB’s online licensing platform.
Maile also confirmed that a senior legal team has been appointed to probe allegations levelled against the GGB and the GGDA.
Leading the investigation is Advocate William Mokhare SC, appointed through the State Attorney, assisted by Advocate Lerato and Advocate Neo Ntingane.
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.”
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.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of Gauteng Treasury.
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.