South Africa has appointed King Tembinkosi Bonakele as Chairperson of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) Board, while Mpho Sonia Mosing has been appointed as a member of the board. The appointments were approved by Cabinet during its meeting on 1 July and remain subject to the verification of qualifications and the necessary security clearances, in line with government procedures.
NLC welcomes new appointments
The National Lotteries Commission officially announced the appointments in a statement released on 6 July. The Commission said it looks forward to the experience and leadership that Bonakele and Mosing will bring to the board as it continues its regulatory and grant funding responsibilities.
The NLC said, “The NLC welcomes the appointment of Bonakele as Chairperson. His leadership will reinforce continuity, strengthen governance, and advance the Commission’s commitment to transparency and public impact.”
The Commission also stated that all appointments follow due governance processes and align with national priorities to strengthen accountability, improve internal controls and enhance service delivery to beneficiaries.
Bonakele outlines his priorities
According to the NLC statement, Bonakele said his immediate focus would be on strengthening governance and maintaining public confidence in the Commission.
“I am honoured by the confidence placed in me. 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. We have an opportunity to build on these foundations and deliver measurable impact for communities across South Africa,” he said.
The Commission added that Bonakele’s appointment positions the organisation to enter a new phase of consolidation, credibility building and long term institutional performance following several years of governance reforms.
Experience in public administration
Bonakele brings extensive regulatory and governance experience to the role. He served as Commissioner of South Africa’s Competition Commission from 2013 to 2022 and has previously served on the National Lotteries Commission Board. His background includes public administration, competition regulation and institutional governance.
Board member Mpho Sonia Mosing also brings governance experience. She 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.
Outgoing chair recognised
Bonakele succeeds Professor Barney Pityana, whose departure led to the appointment process for new leadership. Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition interviewed shortlisted candidates before recommending Bonakele, Mosing and Advocate Lufuno Nevondwe to Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau for consideration.
The NLC acknowledged Pityana’s contribution during a period of governance reform, saying his tenure focused on restoring institutional stability, strengthening governance systems and improving policy, grant management and board oversight.
Pityana said, “It has been a privilege to serve during an important period of institutional renewal. I am confident that the governance reforms of recent years have created a strong platform for continued progress. I wish the incoming Chairperson and the Board success as they lead the NLC into its next phase.”
The appointments come as the Commission continues its oversight of the National Lottery and its distribution of grants to charitable and public benefit causes across South Africa, while maintaining its focus on transparency, accountability and good governance.
Subscribe HERE to SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown and SiGMA’s weekly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest iGaming News from the biggest iGaming community in the world and benefit from subscriber-only offers.
