BY: Saneliso Mlambo
In a major development, the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) secretary, Nompumelo Nene, has resigned after being accused of pocketing approximately R6 million in salary during her suspension. Nene had been on suspension since November 2022, as part of an ongoing investigation into financial misconduct within the NLC.
This incident is part of a larger scandal involving alleged financial mismanagement and corruption at the NLC. Several former senior officials, including the chief operating officer, have been dismissed following disciplinary hearings over their involvement in fraudulent activities.
One notable case involved the misallocation of almost R9.6 million in lottery grants to the Phumelela Educational Training Projects between 2014 and 2018.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is currently investigating irregular lottery tenders valued at over R1.4 billion, as well as luxury purchases made by former NLC employees.
The SIU aims to recover the misappropriated funds and ensure accountability for the alleged wrongdoing.
The NLC has been under scrutiny for its handling of suspended employees, with over R8 million paid out in salaries to those under suspension since 2022. The commission has reiterated its commitment to zero-tolerance for corruption and fraud and vowed to uphold transparency and accountability in its operations.
These developments highlight the need for stricter oversight in public institutions to prevent financial misconduct and restore public trust in the NLC.