By Johnathan Paoli
The DA has urged Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau to urgently begin the process of appointing a new chairperson for the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) following reports of Barney Pityana’s resignation, two years before the end of his term.
Pityana, who turned 80 earlier this month, tendered his resignation in a letter to Minister Tau, according to GroundUp and News24.
His decision to step down, after just three years in office, comes despite his pivotal role in stabilising the corruption-plagued NLC.
The reasons for his departure remain unclear, although colleagues were reportedly informed earlier this year of his intention to leave.
DA spokesperson Toby Chance said Tau must act swiftly to avoid the prolonged delays of former minister Ebrahim Patel, who took 18 months to replace disgraced former chair Alfred Nevhutanda.
“The appointment process to find his successor will require the portfolio committee on trade, industry and competition to scrutinise the submitted names and compile a short list from which Tau must make his decision,” Chance said.
“The Democratic Alliance will ensure that only individuals of impeccable integrity and track record will be considered.”
Chance added that before leaving office, Pityana should ensure the R20 million allocated for reparations to whistle-blowers and ex-employees targeted by malicious litigation is finally paid out.
Appointed in September 2022 after a two-year political and legal tussle, Pityana inherited an institution mired in scandal.
Years of looting, especially through the controversial “proactive funding” model that allowed the Commission to directly select projects, had left the NLC’s reputation in tatters.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) told Parliament earlier this year it was probing projects worth at least R2 billion, most linked to proactive funding.
Alongside Commissioner Jodi Scholtz, appointed in 2023, and a new board, Pityana introduced governance reforms that helped stabilise the NLC, though public trust remains fragile.
His own appointment, however, was not without controversy, delayed by legal battles, disputes between Patel and the old board, and uncertainty over the process.
Ultimately, Parliament shortlisted several candidates before Pityana was appointed as a compromise figure.
While he is credited with steering the NLC towards reform, critics argue credibility has yet to be fully restored.
Allegations of irregularities persist, including unfounded social media claims that Powerball draws are rigged, claims both the NLC and operator Ithuba have dismissed.
The DA has warned that unless Tau appoints a respected successor quickly, the fragile progress under Pityana could be undone.
Tau’s office has so far declined to comment. His spokesperson, Kaamil Alli, would only say: “No comment at this stage.”
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