The investigation into the maladministration of the Gauteng Provincial Government by the Public Protector, Adv Busiswe Mkhwebane regarding the corporatisation of the horseracing industry, is nearing completion.
The complaint, originally lodged by Ms Phindi Kema and the SA Grooms Association on 12 January 2012, to the then Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela. Madonsela issued an initial response on 22 February, 2012 stating that she “had determined that there is a prime facie case of malpractice and improper conduct which warrants investigation.”
Despite an application for an urgent interdict by Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Ltd on 31 August 2018, the investigation commenced on 4 September 2018, but has been conducted in camera.
The hearings have continued with depositions taken under subpeoena from a large number of key stakeholders, most recently, Mr Jabu Moloketi, formerly the MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs of Gauteng Provincial Government, whose 1997 MOU gave birth to corporatization which formed Phumelela.
Representatives of the current Gauteng Provincial Government and the Gauteng Gambling Board have also given testimony.
Phumelela is the only major party that is still to be deposed, although it is understood that they have attended a series of meetings at the Public Protector’s office since the commencement on 4 September.
