Ramaphosa refuses to back down on lotteries probe
The president said that there is no merit to Nevhutanda’s complaints, and the review application is overdue.
South Africa.- President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to allowing a special investigating unit (SIU) to probe claims of wrongdoing at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
In October 2020, Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate corruption and maladministration at the NLC. The president decided to involve the SIU following growing concerns over lottery grants corruption involving hundreds of millions of rand.
The SIU’s primary objective is to reclaim state funds lost into corruption, fraud and maladministration. The proclamation authorised the SIU to investigate offences related to the issue from January 1, 2014 to November 6, 2020, when the proclamation was published. It also covers offences connected to the investigation, even if they occur after publication.
Since the investigation started, the SIU has preserved assets worth R344 million (€15.7m), including a R27 million (€1.2m) Pretoria mansion allegedly linked to Alfred Nevhutanda, the chairman of NLC at the time of the alleged corruption.
Amongst other claims, Nevhutanda wants the Pretoria High Court to declare the proclamation unlawful because the NLC is a state organisation and doesn’t handle public funds, which he believes are required under the SIU Act.
Ramaphosa’s Defence
However, in a new development, Ramaphosa has filed a personal affidavit in response to the court application. The president states there is no merit to Nevhutanda’s complaints and the review application is overdue.
Ramaphosa asserts that the NLC and the National Lottery Distribution Trust are state institutions tasked with overseeing lottery operations and managing public funds.
He stated that before signing the proclamation, the matter went through reviews, including by the minister of justice. He also said he received a document pack highlighting allegations of irregular grant payouts and improper benefits to the family members of NLC officials.
Ramaphosa argued that even if Nevhutanda’s claims were validated, it would be unfair to revoke the proclamation, considering that the NLC had been conducting the investigation for over two and a half years at considerable expense.
The SIU, which is also contesting the application, claims that Nevhutanda’s real motive is to reclaim preserved assets and escape accountability for alleged wrongdoing.
Before the case can be scheduled for a court hearing, Nevhutanda is required to submit a final affidavit.
