South Africa’s Trade Minister Parks Tau has addressed allegations that the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) Chairperson has resigned.
Prof. Barney Pityana joined the NLC just over three years ago, on 1 August 2022, personally appointed by Tau’s predecessor, Ebrahim Patel.
It’s easy to see why such allegations would emerge given the list of controversies that South Africa’s National Lottery has recently found itself.
Both the previous and current operator licence holders were accused of having close ties with governing officials, including Minister Tau.
Public trust was shaken again after a Powerball jackpot attracted criticism from players on social media. The Commission has also previously faced allegations of corruption, with NCL members being accused of misusing funds to buy property for themselves.
These allegations were even followed up on by the African country’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU), which ended up seizing some assets as a result.
Regardless, Tau has assured that Pityana is not stepping down from the NLC in the form of a resignation, but plans for retirement.
He commented: “In July 2025, I received a formal request from the chairperson of the board to retire with effect from the 1st December 2025.
“As the Executive Authority, I fully accept his retirement request, and a proper process will unfold with immediate effect to fill the vacancy of NLC Board chairperson.
“To ensure business continuity, Prof Pityana will continue to serve in his role steering the strategic and governance responsibilities of the Commission until 31 December 2025.”
Some of Pityana’s achievements highlighted by Tau include close collaboration with oversight bodies to safeguard the integrity of the National Lottery.
Tau was also quick to point out that Pityana significantly optimised the work of internal auditing, with the Internal Audit Unit now directly reporting to the Board Audit and Risk Committee.
“His leadership has helped to position the NLC as a public entity committed to transformation, compliance, and service delivery excellence,” the Minister said.
“His continued stewardship is invaluable during this critical period of transition within the National Lottery sector, including the appointment of a Temporary Licensee and the pending launch of the Fourth National Lottery Licence,” Tau added.