South Africa’s Gambling Board chief strategic advisor quits amid massive pay controversy
A forensic audit exposes irregular bonuses and questionable expenses at the nation’s biggest gambling watchdog.
South Africa.- South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) Chief Strategic Advisor, Caroline Kongwa, who earned a total annual income of R3.4m ($190,000) in 2024, has stepped down following a forensic audit that flagged irregular performance bonuses and non-compliant international travel expenses during her tenure.
Her six-year reign over the country’s gambling watchdog has come to an abrupt end following the serious findings. The NGB, notably, regulates an industry valued at nearly R60bn ($3.3bn).
An independent investigation by TSU Investigation Services brought the issues to light, casting a spotlight on governance concerns at the heart of the NGB. Kongwa’s resignation is stirring fresh questions about who’s accountable and where the regulator goes from here.
In 2024 alone, Kongwa’s total annual earnings reached R3.4m ($190,000) including a salary of R2.5 million ($140,000), a 13th cheque of R212,825 ($12,000) and performance bonuses of R510,781 ($29,000).
The audit flagged these payments as “irregular expenditure”, citing non-compliance with the NGB’s performance management policy. Her earnings put her among the country’s highest-paid public officials, showing just how senior and influential her position was.
The National Gambling Board has been without a formal board since 2014, when a previous forensic probe led to the suspension and resignation of all board members amid allegations of maladministration and wasteful spending.
Kongwa remained in a leadership role following the board’s dissolution and was later appointed Chief Strategic Advisor in 2019, a newly created position that drew internal objections.
Minister seeks legal advice over gambling board
Responding to written parliamentary questions, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, confirmed that legal counsel has been appointed to advise on potential disciplinary or criminal action.
“Following receipt of the investigation report, the minister has appointed legal representation to advise him on the way forward. The minister is currently engaging with legal counsel on the course of action,” said Tau in a letter of response, according to GroundUp.
Kongwa declined to divulge any details regarding her sudden resignation. “The reasons for my resignation are personal and private and not for public consumption.” She urged the media to seek official responses from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the NGB.
As the NGB works to reconstitute its board and restore governance structures, the gambling industry is watching closely. The regulator’s next steps will be critical in maintaining the integrity and public confidence in one of South Africa’s most lucrative entertainment sectors.
