The event celebrated Pityana\u2019s contribution to public service and ethical leadership while reflecting on his tenure at the commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
South Africa.- The National Lotteries Commission (NLC)<\/strong> has paid tribute to outgoing board chair Professor Barney Pityana<\/strong>, praising his role in restoring governance and public confidence in the organisation during a farewell public lecture held at Walter Sisulu University<\/strong> in Komani, Eastern Cape, on July 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The event, held under the theme \u201cImproving Quality of Life for All, Unlocking the Potential of Every Person \u2013 Through Equality and Opportunity,\u201d celebrated Pityana\u2019s contribution to public service and ethical leadership while reflecting on his tenure at the commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking at the lecture, deputy minister of trade, industry and competition Zuko Godlimpi<\/strong> thanked Pityana for accepting an<\/strong> appointment to the NLC board at a time when the regulator faced significant governance challenges. Godlimpi said: \u201cHe accepted the role when the institution was in perennial crisis. Its public reputation was low.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n NLC commissioner Jodi Scholtz<\/strong> also acknowledged Pityana\u2019s leadership, describing it as one rooted in service, constitutional values and a commitment to improving the lives of South Africans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Scholtz, Pityana\u2019s approach to leadership was guided by love for the people of South Africa, dedication to public service and the pursuit of equality and justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Former Competition Commission commissioner Tembinkosi Bonakele<\/strong>, who also addressed the gathering, credited Pityana with strengthening governance within the NLC. He said: \u201cProfessor Pityana has always been our inspiration to us all at the NLC, and he was a bulwark against corruption.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his farewell address, Pityana reflected on the importance of freedom and democratic values, telling attendees that \u201cfreedom is living without fear\u201d and that genuine liberation cannot exist without freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lecture aligns with the commission\u2019s broader efforts to promote dialogue on leadership, equality and nation-building while recognising Pityana\u2019s contribution to rebuilding the institution following years of governance and reputational challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n