Latest news with #NationalLotteryCommission
TimesLIVE
11-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Former administrators flagged for 'siphoning' Lotto's R4.4m from NGO
Three former administrators of a Limpopo NGO and a person only known as 'Dineo' have been implicated in allegedly siphoning R4.4m from the organisation through unauthorised withdrawals. This was disclosed in a forensic report compiled by Black Hawk Private and Forensic Investigation and Risk Solutions into the alleged abuse of funds at Hlahlolanang Health in Sekhukhune. According to the report, two of the former administrators allegedly acted as sole signatories of the NGO's bank accounts and used their positions to allegedly facilitate payments between themselves and the then chairperson. There is clear evidence of deliberate financial misconduct, manipulation of signatory powers, systematic concealment of income and expenditure Papi Jonathan Lebese, forensic team investigator The funds were donated by the National Lottery Commission (NLC), Marula Platinum Mine and department of social development and were allegedly diverted into the four people's personal accounts between April 2021 and March 2023 through irregular withdrawals, misrepresentation of signatories and staged benefit-sharing schemes. According to the report, seven amounts totalling R4.4m were siphoned between April 2021 and March 2023, with the last amount withdrawn amounting to R3.3m. It said a R101,345 donation landed in the NGO's account on April 20 2021, and shortly thereafter R62,000 was split among the four individuals: R15,000 each to two of them and R16,000 each to the other two. A similar pattern followed after R316,740 was deposited in September 2021, with each receiving between R50,000 and R70,000 in transfers with no legitimate justification recorded. The investigation further found that in March 2022, after the NGO received R633,444, R450,000 was again allocated to three of them. The records indicate there was no authorisation from the board, and no expenditure reports or procurement documentation was filed. The forensic team, led by investigator Papi Jonathan Lebese, found that signatory access to the NGO's bank accounts was altered without the board's knowledge. These unauthorised changes allegedly enabled two of the former administrators to approve transactions without oversight. 'There is clear evidence of deliberate financial misconduct, manipulation of signatory powers, systematic concealment of income and expenditure. These actions reflect gross violations of the law and the NGO's constitution, warranting immediate criminal, civil, and disciplinary action,' said Lebese. The report recommends that the matter be referred to the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the National Prosecuting Authority for criminal investigation. We're no longer receiving funding or support, and beneficiaries have been left in the dark. Emily Shilakoe, part of the NGO 'We have identified significant financial irregularities involving the misappropriation of donor funds and unauthorised changes to bank signatories. Given the complexity and scale of the suspected fraud, we recommend the involvement of the SIU to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit and assist with recovery processed,' Lebese said in the report. Investigators also flagged the need to trace the funds using banking subpoenas and to recover the misappropriated money through civil litigation. Meanwhile, the charges brought forward for the disciplinary hearing and internal resolution are: gross dishonesty for misappropriating NGO funds; fraud through false documentation and personal enrichment; breach of trust by bypassing board processes; insubordination; negligence in handling donor money; unauthorised access to organisational resources such as bank accounts; and failure to disclose conflicts of interest while occupying managerial roles. Emily Shilakoe, who's part of the NGO, said programmes have collapsed allegedly because of the mismanagement. 'The worst part is the impact on the ground,' she said. 'Hlahlolanang runs crucial HIV/Aids programmes, including voluntary counselling and testing, with trained counsellors who used to receive stipends from Lotto and the department of health. But once the funds started being misused, those payments stopped, and the department and the commission refused to send more money because there were no progress reports coming in. So the programmes collapsed. 'We're no longer receiving funding or support, and beneficiaries have been left in the dark.'
TimesLIVE
04-07-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
UDM donates R300K to flood relief in Mthatha
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has donated R300,000 in flood relief to assist victims hit by devastating floods in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape last month. More than 100 bodies have been recovered from districts. OR Tambo remains the hardest hit with 78 fatalities, Amathole recorded 10, Alfred Nzo five, Joe Gqabi two, Sarah Baartman two and Chris Hani five. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said the fund will be used to help victims buy basic essentials such as food and toiletries. 'We expect the amount to be stretched to assist as many people as possible and we trust the UDM committee and the communities' committee will exercise wise and responsible discretion in the spending of the funds,' he said in a letter to UDM provincial secretary Bulelani Bobotyane. 'A date for the distribution of the care packages must be determined and publicised to ensure community awareness. Receipts for all expenses must be collected and safely stored and the originals submitted to the UDM national office. The national office must be informed of the distribution plans before any handover taking place.' He said Butterworth victims will benefit from the proceeds of the Bantu Holomisa Charity Golf Day scheduled for August 22. A few weeks ago, the party donated clothes and food parcels to three centres for Mthatha flood victims. Several organisations and entities, including the National Lottery Commission, Gift of the Givers and the EFF, have pledged to donate to the Eastern Cape flood crisis. The Eastern Cape government has provided shelter, meals and necessities to families placed in community care centres and accommodation establishments in and around Mthatha.
TimesLIVE
27-06-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
NLC pledges R10m financial support for flood-affected EC communities
The National Lottery Commission (NLC) pledged funds to support flood-affected communities in the Eastern Cape. The NLC leadership, led by the board chairperson Prof Barney Pityana and accompanied by its commissioner Jodi Scholtz, are expected to visit flood-affected areas on Friday. They are expected to meet AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo at the Nkululekweni Royal Residence. The purpose of the visit is to officially inform the king, the royal house and key government stakeholders about the NLC's pledge to financially support flood-affected communities. The areas severely affected by destructive floods on June 10 include Mthatha,, Mnquma, Mbhashe, Great Kei and the Amahlathi municipality. Lives were lost, families displaced and basic services such as water, electricity and access to healthcare and education were disrupted. 'In response, the NLC is activating its research-based funding model as outlined in the Lotteries Act. 'The model enables the commission to fund worthy causes without a formal application process, particularly in response to emergencies, crises and disasters that adversely affect communities. 'Emergency interventions are conducted after a rapid needs assessment and are implemented in partnership with qualified not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) appointed to our national panel of strategic partners,' said Pityana. The Small Project Foundation (SPF) has been appointed to implement a high-impact relief intervention valued at R1m. Pityana said SPF is a registered NPO with more than 36 years' experience in the Eastern Cape, and has worked extensively in health, education and social development across the OR Tambo and Amathole districts. He said the SPF has long-standing relationships with government departments, local municipalities, clinics and schools, and a proven track record of delivering emergency and humanitarian support in collaboration with national and local stakeholders. Scholtz said the interventions include the distribution of food parcels, clean water, clothing, school uniforms and supplies, sanitary pads and essential healthcare support. She said: 'The relief will reach thousands of displaced and vulnerable households through a co-ordinated and accountable process supported by trained field teams in nine municipalities.'
IOL News
11-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Betting on luck: Why millions of South Africans play the Lotto as part of a financial plan
SPIN and WIN: The Lotto and Powerball shine like a diamond for South Africans. Image: File image The odds of winning Lotto are one in 20 million, while PowerBall's odds are one in 42 million - statistically speaking, more people are struck by lightning than win the big jackpot. And yet, the weekly allure of the possibility of a softer life - away from the daily grind to make ends meet and feed their families - sees many South Africans consider the lottery as a sound financial plan. In fact, according to a dated study commissioned by the National Lottery Commission (NLC), National Lottery Participation and Attitudes Survey, over 70% of players believe winning the lottery is their best shot at achieving financial freedom. The NLC further reports that over 80% of South African adults have played Lotto at least once, with many participating on a weekly basis. In a nation where social mobility seems increasingly elusive, it is easy to see why the lottery becomes a tempting proposition. Psychologically, the hope and anticipation that come with purchasing a ticket helps provide a temporary escape from financial stress, even if the odds of a big win are nearly impossible. Chasing the thrill Who hasn't fantasised about an easy way of perhaps paying off debts, purchasing a home, funding a child's education, helping family and friends, buying an island or never working again - dreams that seem impossible for many South Africans to achieve through traditional means. Viral posts celebrating big winners, often with elaborate celebrations or "before-and-after" stories continue to drive participation. In fact, after high-profile winner announcements, the National Lottery Commission (NLC) annual reports show a 15% increase in ticket sales. Added to that, a 2023 University of Cape Town (UCT) study revealed that low-income households sometimes spend up to 5% of their monthly income on lottery tickets, viewing it as a form of voluntary tax with the possibility of an unimaginable payout. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Lotto (and PowerBall), it seems, feels like the possibility of a way out of economic hardship, with the NLC finding that the less affluent population represents a sizable portion of lottery players, inclusive of the unemployed who represented 27.7% of National Lottery players. Added to that, about a quarter (23.9%) of National Lottery players are government grant recipients while 42.2% earn a monthly income of less than R5,000. With high unemployment, rising inflation, income inequality and a hard-to-breathe kind of cost-of-living scenario, plus so many obstacles in the way of creating generational wealth, it's easy to see why some may turn to the lottery as a way to secure their financial futures. Even if South Africans believed they had a better chance at financial freedom via other means, many simply lack the knowledge or access to the tools required for such strategies, say the experts. And so, a one in 20 million chance can seem better than no chance at all. Bank it A 2023 Old Mutual Savings Monitor report found that only 29% of adults are actively saving for retirement. Meanwhile, a 2022 FinMark Trust survey indicated that only 34% of South Africans understand basic investment concepts. Standard Bank says there are many skills that contribute to financial literacy, and the ability to master them determines how informed and appropriate your financial decisions are. You can begin by creating a budget, creating a financial plan and checking your credit score. And finally, get advice from a professional - not your cousin or your friend who doesn't have a financial background or just happens to be rich, because sometimes rich people give the worst advice. Ultimately, many believe that financial literacy should be taught in schools to give South Africans a fighting chance. But until then, there may always be that niggling voice that says: "Tonight it could be me!"
