National lotteries chair remains upbeat despite corruption claims

By Johnathan Paoli

National Lotteries Commission (NLC) board chairperson Barney Pityana has expressed his unwavering confidence in the board’s integrity amid mounting allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Since Pityana took the helm in 2022, the NLC has faced increasing scrutiny over its governance and allocation of lottery proceeds, leading to calls for the dismissal of several board members.

He told reporters in Pretoria on Tuesday that much of the negative media coverage stemmed from a misunderstanding of the NLC’s functions, often exacerbated by political motives.

“We acknowledge that some of the media interest has been negative. Much of it reflects a limited understanding of the commission’s work,” he said.

The NLC regulates the lottery industry and is meant to ensure that proceeds benefit deserving causes.

However, its board has been accused of engaging in corruption and conflicts of interest, depriving communities of essential funding.

Pityana asserted that all board members