FSGLTA say frequent board meetings help prevent litigation costs

Staff Reporter

Bloemfontein – The controversy at the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA) continues unabated.

This follows allegations by NEHAWU in January that four board members each pocketed R360 000 in December through board meeting allowances.

NEHAWU further alleged that the board held 18 meetings in December alone.

“Four board members received almost R360 000 each in December” – NEHAWU calls for disbandment of FSGLTA board

In justifying the meetings, FSGLTA spokesperson Tshediso Lerumo said failure to convene them could expose the entity to potential litigation.

“The importance of board meetings cannot be overstated. In relation to regulatory compliance, FSGLTA’s board meetings are not ceremonial in nature; they are statutory governance platforms mandated to adjudicate liquor and gambling licence applications, objections and appeals within prescribed legislative timeframes.

Failure to convene these meetings timeously exposes the entity to regulatory breaches and potential litigation,” Lerumo said.

FSGLTA has lost several cases brought by dismissed employees with legal costs reaching R4 million.

In August last year, the entity also sought a legal opinion on another matter but allegedly ignored it.

This follows another loss at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), where the legal opinion reportedly exposed weaknesses in the entity’s position.

According to the FSGLTA’s 2024 audited financial statements, at least three senior managers took out loans.

These are people earning over millions.

Over and above legal costs and loans, FSGLTA spent R2 million extra on the office rental further raising questions as how the entity plans financially.

The current lease contract was supposed to be for six months only as per board resolution and it’s now running into years.

Despite employees being reinstated after unfair dismissals and endless reviews, Sharon Mohale is never charged as General Manager responsible for Corporate Services.

Seseane is now acting CEO, you can’t make this up.

This is a developing story

Support Independent Journalism

Stories like this matter. Accountability matters. Truth matters.

If you believe in fearless, independent reporting that holds power to account, help us keep going.

Your contribution, even as little as R10 makes a difference.
Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB: 63110371703

If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp: 068 507 6731

Independent. Unbought. Unfiltered.