-Staff Writer / Mon, 22 Dec 2025
Mini Dlamini: Instagram
Popular South African television personality Mini Dlamini was forced to repay R50 000 she irregularly received in 2016 from the Mshandukani Foundation NPO, following a settlement agreement with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
The funds originated from a National Lotteries Commission (NLC) grant intended for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Roadshow but were not used for their intended purpose.
The SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, said Dlamini was among several beneficiaries who received money irregularly from the Mshandukani Foundation as part of an ongoing probe into the misappropriation of NLC grant funding.
Kganyago said the repayment formed part of the unit’s broader efforts to recover misappropriated public funds and ensure accountability.
“Ms Dlamini has fully cooperated with the SIU investigation and has acknowledged that the funds were not lawfully due to her. The repayment of R50 000 forms part of our broader efforts to recover misappropriated public funds and to hold all recipients of irregular payments accountable, regardless of the amount involved,” said Kganyago.
According to Kganyago, the Mshandukani Foundation NPO acted as a conduit applicant through the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and received approximately R24.8 million from the NLC.
Mini Dlamini: Instagram
The funds were later distributed to various beneficiaries, including Dlamini, without lawful justification or in contravention of the grant agreement.
Kganyago said the recovered money would be returned to the National Lotteries Commission for redistribution to lawful beneficiaries in line with its mandate to support good causes.
“The SIU remains committed to recovering public funds that were unlawfully paid out and to restoring financial losses suffered by the State,” he said.
He added that it continues to pursue civil and criminal action against other individuals and entities implicated in the broader scheme, including former NLC officials, board members and other recipients of irregular payments.
The investigation into corruption and maladministration at the NLC was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa through Proclamation R32 of 2020. Any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.
News Junction (Gold Standard)