The Department of Trade and Industry resolved to appoint an investigator to investigate lotto allegations

29 Feb 2012

Following numerous allegations about the allocation of R64.1 million grant to Makhaya Arts and Craft by the Arts and Culture Distribution Agency of the National Lotteries Board, the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has resolved to appoint an independent investigator to look at the allegations.

It is alleged that the grant was allocated to Makhaya Arts and Craft as the daughter of the Chairperson of the National Lotteries Board, Professor Alfred Nevhutanda, is employed at this organisation. At this point there is no evidence or information given to the dti to back these allegations.

Professor Nevhutanda has dismissed this saying he was not involved in this matter. The allocation to Makhaya Arts and Craft was made by the Arts and Culture Distribution Agency and the National Lotteries Board does not get involved in adjudication processes of any of the agencies.

In the interest of transparency, the dti has resolved to appoint an investigator to look at the process followed in allocating the grant to Makhaya Arts and Craft, and whether there is a link between the allocation of the grant and the employ of the daughter of the Chairperson by the organisation. The Chairperson has agreed to cooperate fully with the investigation. The independent assessment will help clear this matter. The dti expects findings and recommendations in the next 15 days business day.

Statement issued by Sidwell Medupe, Department of Trade and Industry spokesperson, February 29 2012

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