Gauteng MEC Threatens DA Over Corruption Allegations

Key Takeaways:

• The Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development, Mike Moriarty, has refused to comply with a demand to retract allegations made against the MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile.
• The allegations concern Maile’s handling of a corruption and money laundering case involving the former CEO of the Gauteng Gambling Board, Dr. Steven Ngubeni.
• Moriarty claims that Maile knew of the corruption but chose not to act, while Maile argues that he was not involved in the matter and has launched his own investigation.
• The DA is demanding that the full loan and settlement amounts be disclosed and that criminal charges be filed against all parties involved.
• The matter has sparked a tense political and legal spat between Moriarty and Maile, with Maile indicating that he is weighing his legal options.

Introduction to the Dispute
The Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development, Mike Moriarty, and the MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, are engaged in a heated dispute over allegations of corruption and money laundering. The allegations stem from a 2021 forensic report that detailed evidence of unlawful corruption and money laundering by the former CEO of the Gauteng Gambling Board, Dr. Steven Ngubeni. Moriarty has refused to comply with a demand to retract his statement, which claimed that Maile knew of the corruption but chose not to act. Maile, on the other hand, has argued that his office only received the forensic report in July 2025 and has since launched its own investigation.

The Allegations and Response
The allegations against Ngubeni originated from a 2021 forensic report submitted to the Office of the Premier. The report detailed evidence that Ngubeni had unlawfully taken out a loan from the Gauteng Gambling Board, which was then paid off by a nonprofit organization called Intsika Yo Sizo. The Gauteng Gambling Board subsequently paid the nonprofit back using funds recovered from fining illegal gambling operators. Ngubeni was placed under precautionary suspension with full pay and eventually reached an undisclosed settlement. Moriarty’s statement accused Maile of having a "weak approach to corruption" that allows senior officials to avoid accountability. Maile, however, argued that he was not involved in the matter and had launched his own investigation.

Maile’s Defense
Maile has defended himself against the allegations, stating that he only became the MEC for Finance and Economic Development in July 2024, three years after Ngubeni’s suspension and settlement. He argued that he had no involvement in the matter at the time, as he was serving as the MEC for Human Settlements. Maile also cited a press conference from June 2025, where he announced the appointment of a legal expert to investigate the allegations. He claimed that Moriarty was aware of this public information and that his assertion that Maile was "ignoring corruption" had no basis in fact. Maile’s office has indicated that he is weighing his legal options, though no formal legal action has yet been taken.

Moriarty’s Refusal to Retract
Moriarty has refused to comply with Maile’s demand to retract his statement, arguing that it constitutes fair comment. He maintained that there had been a "wholly inadequate action" in response to evidence of a crime. Moriarty argued that as the current MEC, Maile is responsible for ensuring that corruption does not take place within his department. He claimed that when Maile formulated his reply, he became aware of corruption and should have decided to lay criminal charges instead of turning a blind eye. The DA has argued that Moriarty’s statement is protected by the Constitution and that Maile’s demand for a retraction and public apology is an attempt to silence him.

Conclusion and Implications
The dispute between Moriarty and Maile has sparked a tense political and legal spat, with implications for the governance of the Gauteng province. The matter highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government, particularly in cases of corruption and money laundering. The DA’s demand for the full loan and settlement amounts to be disclosed and for criminal charges to be filed against all parties involved is a step towards ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The outcome of this dispute will be closely watched, as it has the potential to impact the reputation of the Gauteng provincial government and the effectiveness of its anti-corruption efforts.