The process to appoint a new chairperson for the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has gained momentum, with the parliamentary portfolio committee responsible for the selection narrowing down a pool of 22 applicants to a shortlist of six. This development follows the announcement by the current chair, Professor Barney Pityana, aged 80, that he intends to retire by the end of 2025, as reported by GroundUp. Pityana, who has two years remaining on his contract, has agreed to stay in his role until a successor is appointed, ensuring a smooth transition for the organisation responsible for overseeing South Africa’s lottery funds.
The selection process, managed by the Trade, Industry and Competition Portfolio Committee, is subject to strict timelines and procedural requirements, including security clearances for all shortlisted candidates. According to Parliament of South Africa, the committee will conduct interviews on 11 and 12 November 2025, after which it will prepare a report for parliamentary debate. The final shortlist will then be forwarded to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, who will make the ultimate decision on the appointment.
Among the candidates is Nomazotsho Yvonne Memani, a practising advocate known for her extensive experience in both public and private sectors. Her career has focused on high-stakes litigation, making her a strong contender for the role. Lufuno Toyko Nevondwe, another candidate, currently chairs the independent trust tasked with safeguarding lottery funds for beneficiaries. He also serves on the boards of the Film and Publication Board and the South African National Space Agency, bringing a wealth of governance experience, as noted in Business Day.
Judy Hermans, a former African National Congress (ANC) MP, is also in the running. During her tenure as whip of the ANC’s trade, industry, and competition study group, she was part of a committee that initially defended the NLC amid allegations of corruption involving lottery funds. However, Mail & Guardian reports that the ANC later shifted its stance, reportedly under pressure from senior party figures, and ceased protecting the NLC during the latter part of Hermans’ time as chair of the portfolio committee.
King Tembinkosi Bonakele, a current NLC board member, brings a legal background and significant regulatory experience, having served as Commissioner of the Competition Commission of South Africa for nine of his 18 years with the organisation. He also holds an MBA, enhancing his credentials for the chair position. Wayne Manthe, a chartered accountant with over three decades of experience, offers expertise in forensic auditing, risk management, and sustainable auditing across both private and public sectors, according to IOL.
Rounding out the shortlist is Mpho Mosing, who previously chaired the audit and risk committee of the State Diamond Trader and served on the Gauteng Liquor Board’s commission of inquiry into fraud and governance controls. His experience in financial oversight and governance investigations positions him as a candidate with relevant skills for the NLC’s challenges.
The public has been invited to provide input on the shortlisted candidates, with written submissions accepted until 10 November 2025. These can be sent to the Committee Secretary, Mr A Hermans, via email at ahermans@parliament.gov.za, as outlined by Parliament of South Africa. This step ensures transparency and public engagement in the selection process, which is critical given the NLC’s role in managing substantial public funds.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the NLC, which has faced scrutiny over governance and the management of lottery funds in recent years. The new chairperson will be tasked with steering the organisation through ongoing reforms and restoring public confidence, as highlighted in discussions reported by TimesLIVE. With interviews imminent and a parliamentary debate to follow, the selection process is poised to shape the future of the NLC’s leadership and its operations.