South Africa’s National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has appointed King Tembinkosi Bonakele as Chairperson of its board, succeeding Professor Barney Pityana following a period of governance reform and restructuring.
The appointment, announced by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni after a Cabinet meeting at the end of last week, also included the appointment of Mpho Sonia Mosing to fill a vacant position on the NLC board.
Bonakele joins the role with extensive experience in regulation and public administration, having previously served on the NLC board.
His appointment comes as the Commission seeks to build on governance reforms introduced under Pityana’s leadership and move into what it describes as a new phase focused on institutional maturity and public trust.
Bonakele’s priorities will include strengthening governance structures, enhancing oversight and ensuring responsible grant funding alongside transparent regulatory practices.
“The NLC has made significant progress in its governance journey, and my focus will be on strengthening oversight, ensuring fair and transparent processes, and reinforcing public trust in the Commission’s work,” he said.
“We have an opportunity to build on these foundations and deliver measurable impact for communities across South Africa.”
A whirlwind period for South Africa’s NLC
NLC Commissioner Jodi Scholtz credited outgoing Chair Pityana with helping steer the regulator through a period of heightened scrutiny, saying his leadership had strengthened governance, improved accountability and laid the foundations for a more resilient institution.
It has been an extensive task to find his successor, with applications for the job closing in November 2025.
One of Pityana’s last acts was to oversee the awarding of the South Africa Lottery national licence to Sizekhaya, who took over the responsibility from Ithuba Holdings.
This did not come without controversy though, with players taking to social media to complain about delays in the payments of winnings just a day before Sizekhaya took over.
Incidentally, Ithuba has also just shut its operations in Uganda – another African country in which it offered National Lottery games.
Pityana, however, did oversee reforms to grant management, policy frameworks and internal controls during his tenure.
Bonakele’s appointment brings Pityana’s near-four-year stint as Chairperson of the NLC to a close.
“It has been a privilege to serve during an important period of institutional renewal,” he said.
“I am confident that the governance reforms of recent years have created a strong platform for continued progress.”
The leadership transition comes as the NLC continues efforts to restore confidence in the organisation following several years of governance challenges.
It has stated that it remains committed to improving “transparency, public impact and strengthening governance”.
Scholtz added: “Professor Barney Pityana’s tenure concludes a period marked by complexity, scrutiny, and the urgent need for institutional stabilisation. His leadership provided the steadying influence required during a time of significant reforms and heightened public expectations.
“His contribution is best understood not by slogans or celebration, but by the stronger systems and clearer governance pathways now embedded within the organisation.
“Professor Pityana’s leadership helped shift the Commission from turbulence toward stability, enabling the next phase of institutional maturity and credibility-building.
“As the Commission transitions to new leadership, Professor Pityana leaves a legacy of integrity, stability, and governance reform that positions the NLC for its next phase of growth and credibility-building.”