South African media personality and actress Minnie Dlamini has reached a settlement agreement with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to repay money she unlawfully received from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) nearly ten years ago. The repayment forms part of a broader investigation into maladministration and the misuse of public funds at the NLC.
The SIU confirmed that the settlement relates to an inquiry authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation R32 of 2020. The investigation focuses on irregular grant payments made by the NLC between January 2014 and November 2020, a period marked by widespread allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.
According to the SIU, Minnie Dlamini was one of several individuals who benefited from funds channelled through the Mshandukani Foundation, a non-profit organisation. The foundation acted as a conduit applicant via the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and received funding from the NLC for a specific project.
The Mshandukani Foundation was awarded approximately R24.8 million, which was intended to finance a 2016 Rio Olympic Games Roadshow. The project aimed to promote Olympic sports and inspire young South Africans ahead of the global sporting event. However, the SIU later found that the funds were not utilised in line with the approved grant agreement.
Minnie Dlamini Named in SIU Investigation
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that Minnie Dlamini received R50,000 from the Mshandukani Foundation in 2016. Investigators determined that the payment was not used for the purpose outlined in the grant application and that there was no lawful basis for her to receive the funds.
“Ms. Dlamini has agreed to repay the full amount of R50,000.00 she received in 2016 from the Mshandukani Foundation NPO,” Kganyago said in a statement.
The SIU further explained that money paid out by the foundation was distributed to various individuals without proper justification, or in direct violation of the grant conditions set by the NLC.
According to the SIU, the investigation revealed that the Mshandukani Foundation failed to comply with the terms of the grant agreement. Funds intended for the Olympic roadshow were instead distributed to multiple beneficiaries, including Minnie Dlamini, without lawful justification.
“These funds were subsequently distributed to several beneficiaries, including Ms. Dlamini, without lawful justification or in contravention of the grant agreement,” the SIU stated.
The unit stressed that such actions undermined the purpose of public funding, which is meant to support legitimate community, sporting, and developmental initiatives.
While Minnie Dlamini has not made a public statement regarding the settlement, the SIU confirmed that she fully cooperated with the investigation. Kganyago said the actress acknowledged that the funds were not legally owed to her.
“Ms. Dlamini has fully cooperated with the SIU investigation and has acknowledged that the funds were not lawfully due to her,” he said.
As part of the settlement agreement, the recovered funds will be returned to the National Lotteries Commission. The NLC is expected to redistribute the money to legitimate beneficiaries in line with its mandate.
The SIU stated that the case involving Minnie Dlamini underscores its commitment to accountability, regardless of an individual’s public profile or status. The unit reiterated that all recipients of irregular public funds will be held responsible, whether through voluntary settlements or legal action.
This matter forms part of a wider crackdown on corruption and mismanagement within the National Lotteries Commission. The SIU continues to pursue civil litigation and criminal referrals against other individuals and entities implicated in the broader scheme.
The settlement involving Minnie Dlamini highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to recover misused public funds and restore integrity to institutions such as the National Lotteries Commission. While the amount repaid in this case is relatively small, the SIU has made it clear that accountability applies equally to all beneficiaries.
As investigations continue, the SIU says it remains focused on ensuring that public funds are used for their intended purpose and that those affected by irregular spending are held to account. The outcome of this case adds to the growing list of recoveries linked to the NLC investigation, signalling a continued push toward transparency and reform.
Source- Fakaza
