Several significant changes involving the National Lotteries Commission were announced today, with the appointment of a new Board Chairperson, the commencement of the process to recruit a new Commissioner and the extension of the National Lottery Operator license for a limited period.
Appointment of Dr Barney Pityana as Chairperson from 1 August 2022
Dr Barney Pityana will start as the new Chairperson of the NLC from 1 August 2022, following his appointment by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in terms of the National Lotteries Act.
The appointment follows a parliamentary process that commenced late in 2020, with a number of candidates shortlisted and interviewed by the parliamentary Portfolio Committee. Dr Pityana was one of three names originally submitted by the Minister to Parliament for consideration, the other two nominees being Advocate Thuli Madonsela and Rev Frank Chikane. This followed a public nomination process that identified 41 possible candidates.
Following the adoption of the report of the Portfolio Committee by the National Assembly, Parliament made recommendations to the Minister on the appointment of a Chairperson, with 4 names proposed, which included Dr Pityana.
Dr Pityana is is a renowned academic and theologian, having served as the Principal and Vice Chancellor of UNISA for nearly a decade, and previously as the Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission during the first years of the post-apartheid era.
He has experience of the operation of the lottery, having served as Independent Chairperson of the first lottery operator, Uthingo. He is currently the Chairperson of the Panel on Integrated Transformation at the University of Free State, and the Chairperson of the Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics at Wits. Dr Pityana has developed specialised skills and experience in Leadership and Governance through his service at University Councils at Venda and Wits, and his service as Deputy President of the Academy of Science (ASSAf) as well as appointments as an independent assessor in troubled institutions of higher learning since his retirement as a Vice Chancellor in higher education institutions.
He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Labour Law from UNISA and a PhD in Religious Studies from UCT, he is a member of the Academy of Science (ASSAf). He is also an ordained priest of the Anglican Church and an admitted attorney of the High Court.
Prof Barney Pityana has a lengthy record of involvement in anti-apartheid struggles, serving as President of the SA Students Organisation (SASO). He is widely published in human rights law, theology and in public ethics.
“I am pleased that we have a distinguished, ethical and experienced person to lead the new Board of the NLC. Following allegations of corruption involving grants made by the NLC, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition instituted a forensic investigation into the funding approved by the NLC and subsequently the President appointed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe the NLC funding decisions. The law enforcement agencies have acted on the preliminary findings of the SIU and further action can be expected as more information of wrong-doing becomes available. I look forward to the new Board ensuring that all monies corruptly taken by individuals are recovered fully and that implicated persons are held to account by the law enforcement agencies,” Minister Patel said.
Now that the NLC has a new Board and a new Chairperson it is best equipped to execute its statutory function as a regulator of the lotteries, with oversight over the proceeds of the lottery so as to best serve its purpose of generating and allocating resources for good causes.
Recruitment of a new Commissioner for the NLC
The NLC Board has taken the first steps towards the recruitment of a Commissioner of the NLC. The Board has approved a recruitment plan with the intention being to effect an appointment by 1 October 2022. The term of office of the current Commissioner, Ms Mampane, expires on 30 September 2022.
A public call for applications was issued on 10 July 2022 and South Africans with the requisite experience are encouraged to apply for the position.
National Lottery Operator license extended for a limited period.
Following a request from the new Board of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), and following due consideration of the matter, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has extended the license of the current National Lottery Operator for a two-year period.
ITHUBA is the current lotteries operator and its license was originally due to expire on 31 May 2023.
The Board in framing its request and advice to the Minister, had taken into account a number of factors including representations made by ITHUBA that its business has been severely affected by the exceptional circumstances created by Covid-19.
During the period of the extended license, 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2025, Ithuba will be required to make contributions to the National Lotteries Commission for distribution to good causes at a higher rate than provided for in the initial license.
The Board, as part of its tasks, has advised that it is undertaking a comprehensive review of the process for the appointment of a future operator and will publicise the details when this work is complete.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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