South Africa’s NLC showcases Lotto-funded arts at Innibos festival
The exhibition showcased 30 contemporary craftworks from artists representing all nine provinces.
South Africa.- The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has reaffirmed its commitment to South Africa’s creative sector after presenting its Lotto-funded “Tradition Transformed” exhibition at the 2026 Toyota Innibos National Arts Festival in Mbombela.
Held from July 2 to 5, the exhibition showcased 30 contemporary craftworks from artists representing all nine provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West and Western Cape.
The collection featured a diverse range of ceramics, textiles, beadwork, sculpture and mixed-media works, offering visitors a glimpse into South Africa’s cultural heritage while showcasing contemporary craftsmanship and design.
The exhibition was officially opened by the NLC’s acting chief operations officer, Mzwandile Ngubane, who said the commission remains committed to funding initiatives that preserve the country’s cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artists and the broader creative sector.
Ngubane said: “Through NLC funding, we continue to ensure that artists have platforms to showcase their talent while preserving the country’s rich cultural legacy.”
According to the NLC, the exhibition demonstrates how National Lottery funding supports projects that promote local talent, preserve traditional knowledge and provide platforms for creatives to reach wider audiences.
The commission receives funding from a portion of the revenue generated through the sale of National Lottery tickets and other licensed lottery games. These proceeds are distributed through the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) to eligible organisations and projects across several sectors, including arts and culture, sport, charities and community development.
Beyond the exhibition, the NLC maintained a strong presence throughout the Innibos Festival with a city-wide awareness campaign promoting Lotto-funded initiatives. Branded billboards welcomed visitors to Mbombela, while “NLC Lotto Funded” messaging was displayed at the main entrance of i’langa Mall, on flags lining the festival entrance and on parking signage.
The campaign also reached travellers through Citybug shuttle buses operating between Pretoria, Durban, Bloemfontein and OR Tambo International Airport, all carrying NLC branding throughout the festival period.
