The parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition submitted the names of current NLC board members King Tembinkosi Bonakele<\/strong>, Mpho Mosing<\/strong> and Lufuno Tokyo Nevondwe<\/strong> as the final candidates to replace outgoing NLC Chairperson Barney Pityana<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The recommendation was adopted by Parliament on Tuesday, despite opposition from the Democratic Alliance (DA) which voted against the report during proceedings in the National Assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The DA said its opposition was linked to Bonakele\u2019s role on the current NLC board and the handling of a reparation process for whistle-blowers connected to corruption investigations involving lottery funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DA MP Toby Chance<\/strong> told Parliament that the current board failed to properly compensate whistle-blowers who exposed alleged corruption linked to lottery grants. According to Chance, the board approved non-financial support measures for some current and former staff members, including counselling, food vouchers and school fee assistance, while external whistle-blowers did not receive compensation for legal costs or loss of income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dispute added further political tension to the appointment process. Parliament\u2019s earlier attempt to debate the report was postponed after disagreements between parties disrupted proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During Tuesday\u2019s sitting, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) <\/strong>called for a formal division vote. The report was eventually passed with 218 votes in favour and 59 against<\/strong>. Members of the African National Congress (ANC)<\/strong> accused the DA of opposing Bonakele for political and racial reasons during the debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The appointment comes at a critical period for South Africa\u2019s lottery sector. The NLC has faced ongoing scrutiny over governance failures, oversight of grant allocation and allegations of corruption tied to lottery-funded projects. Investigations by media outlets and enforcement agencies in recent years have increased pressure on the regulator to strengthen accountability systems within the country\u2019s lottery and gambling industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Minister Tau is expected to review the recommendations before appointing a new chairperson. While Parliament has submitted the shortlist, the minister is not legally bound to choose from the three nominated candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/court-reporting-900x600.webp-300x200.jpg\")
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