SIU recovers R70,000 in ongoing investigation into misappropriated NLC funds

SIU has recovered R70,000 from Imbizo Events in connection with the ongoing investigation into the misappropriation of NLC funds linked to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games “Roadshow Send-Off.” TheSpecial Investigating Unit(SIU) has recovered R70,000.00 in the ongoing investigation into the misappropriation ofNational Lotteries Commission(NLC) grant funding linked to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games “Roadshow Send-Off” campaign. This marks the second successful settlement in the SIU’s efforts to reclaim unlawfully used public funds. The recovery was secured through a settlement agreement with Imbizo Events, which has been ordered by the Special Tribunal to repay the amount in two equal instalments.

This latest recovery follows a similar settlement in December 2025, whenTV personality Minenhle “Minnie” Dlaminirepaid R50,000.00 that she had received irregularly from the Mshandukani Foundation NPO. The foundation, along with several individuals and companies, has been at the centre of a major investigation into the misuse of millions in public funds. SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that these recoveries are part of the unit’s broader mandate to ensure that public funds are returned to the State.

“The SIU remains committed to ensuring that public funds are returned to the State and redirected to lawful beneficiaries,” Kganyago said. The investigation has revealed that nearly R25 million in NLC grant funds, which were intended for Olympic awareness events, were misappropriated by several entities and individuals with links to former NLC officials. One of the main vehicles for the misappropriation was the Mshandukani Foundation, a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that had only been registered shortly before receiving the funding.

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The grant was approved just six days after an application was made by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) on behalf of the foundation. Large sums were diverted to various recipients, including R15.35 million to Ironbridge Travel Agency, which is connected to former NLC Chief Operating Officer Phillemon Letwaba. Another R7.23 million was channeled to Mshandukani Holdings, controlled by Mashudu Shandukani, while R3 million was directed to Mosokodi Business Trust, also linked to Letwaba. There were also direct payments to former NLC officials and other associates of the involved parties.

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