House Chairperson, the ACDP is keenly aware that the Lotteries Commission has, in recent years, been plagued by serious allegations of corruption. In the previous administration, a former chairperson and senior officials have been found unfit for service and have been implicated in maladministration and fraud of close on to R1 billion, according to the SIU.
These failures have eroded public trust and undermined the Commission’s mandate to serve communities through transparent and equitable distribution of lottery funds.
It is on this premise that the ACDP insists that the next Chairperson must embody integrity, independence, and a demonstrable commitment to accountability.
Of the shortlisted candidates interviewed by the Committee; Mr Bonakele is widely respected for his tenure at the Competition Commission, where he pursued cartel investigations and strengthened compliance. His experience in regulatory enforcement makes him a strong candidate for restoring credibility. Ms Mosing, a woman with a background in corporate governance with auditing experience; also scored highly. Additionally, Adv Memani who is not politically prominent, offers strong potential for restoring credibility to the Commission.
South Africans deserve a Lotteries Commission returning to its core mandate of supporting charities, sports, and arts organisations.
As Kingdom builders, the ACDP will remain steadfast in calling for integrity and competence. The National Lotteries Commission must serve the people of South Africa. If it does not, it serves no purpose at all.
I thank you.
