GAMING FOR AFRICA
SportPesa, SAPS and Free State Gambling Authority Deliver First-of-Its-Kind Responsible Gambling Workshops
SportPesa, in collaboration with national and provincial partners including law enforcement and regulatory authorities, has delivered a fi rst-of-its-kind student-focused responsible gambling initiative at the University of the Free State (UFS), aimed at education, harm prevention and awareness of South Africa’s gambling laws.
The workshops were hosted in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA), and the University of the Free State. Held over three days from 6–8 May 2026, the sessions focused on how gambling addiction develops, how to identify early warning signs, how odds and probability work, and where individuals can seek help. More than 250 students participated across the three-day programme.
Students were also introduced to the practical protections available within licensed gambling environments, including self- exclusion and cooling-off options, setting personal limits, and accessing external support services.
The initiative was designed to promote early awareness and educate young people about the support systems available to them. Each partner contributed specialist expertise, including public education on South Africa’s gambling laws and the importance of responsible gambling within licensed and regulated environments.
Mmone Tau, representative of the Free State
counselling, helplines, rehabilitation referrals, and self-exclusion services to individuals and families affected by problem gambling.” Dean Delaney, Managing Director of SportPesa South Africa, said: “We are committed to investing in South Africa, including its young people and the communities they are part of. These workshops were designed to provide clear information about the importance of responsible gambling and where to turn if they need support. “We all have a duty to protect young people, which is why we worked alongside the university, regulators, law enforcement and industry bodies to ensure that the workshops provided detailed advice and guidance.” SportPesa said the University of the Free State workshops form part of its broader commitment to responsible gaming and community engagement, with further collaborations planned alongside educational and regulatory partners.
Gambling and Liquor Authority, said: “South Africa has established several structures to address gambling addiction and promote responsible gambling. The National Responsible Gambling Programme remains the country’s primary support system, offering free
Thabo Mazibuko, representative of the University of the Free State, added: “The workshop played an important role in equipping students with knowledge and awareness aimed at preventing the negative infl uence of gambling on their lives and academic journeys. As the Institutional Social Support Offi ce, we remain committed to student development, wellbeing, and the academic success of future leaders through programmes that promote responsible decision-making and holistic student support.”
Gauteng Gambling Board CEO Fired, CFO Suspended Following ProbeChair Explodes
Gauteng Gambling Board CEO Karabo Mbele has been fired with immediate effect following an independent forensic investigation that uncovered serious governance failures and allegations of gross misconduct.
The announcement was made by Gauteng Economic Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa during a media briefing on Monday.
The forensic report, prepared by an independent legal team led by Advocate William Mokhare SC and commissioned by former Finance MEC Lebogang Maile, also implicated the board’s chief financial officer, Oscar Maripane. He has been suspended pending the outcome of an internal disciplinary process.
Ramokgopa said the findings
corroborated several whistleblower reports alleging misconduct, maladministration and abuse of public resources within the gambling board.
According to the MEC, the report revealed procurement irregularities, financial misconduct, breaches of the Public Finance Management Act, failures in oversight, and the misuse of public funds within the institution.
She said the report directly implicated Mbele in serious governance failures and gross misconduct, including alleged interference in funding adjudication processes, approving funding before governance procedures had been completed, authorising payments without
supporting documentation, and failures in compliance and oversight obligations. The investigation also examined the alleged irregular allocation of approximately R73 million in Social Development Fund and Corporate Social Investment funding before due evaluation, adjudication and board approval processes had been concluded.
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