News Release
November 2015
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National Lotteries commits to quicker feedback and better cost management
Talking to some 1000 delegates at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) Indaba in Boksburg today, NLC Chairperson, Alfred Nevhutanda, was met with loud applause when he said some of the key changes that need to be seen in NLC operations were beneficiary communications and cost management.
“A priority is that all applicants whose applications for funding were declined are notified immediately so that these projects can raise an appeal timeously. Another imperative is that we have a very clear determination of the cost of projects. Supporting quotations are required before any funds can be approved.”
He also called for communities to expose fraudsters and for those beneficiaries who are doing a good job to be made an example of and empowered to help others.
Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies, who addressed delegates via a pre-recorded video message,lauded the NLC for opening itself up to engagement with stakeholders – a policy which, he says, has had a significant impact on the success of the organisation.
“It’s a bold step for an organisation to welcome frank and open conversation with its stakeholders. By inviting stakeholders to be an active part of the growth process, the NLC has made significant strides in all aspects of its service delivery, from processing applications to compliance and regulation and, of course, in the distribution of funds to good causes.”
Another significant development for applicants is the appointment of full-time Distributing Agencies which, Davies said, is going to help to speed up the adjudication and progress report processing. In addition, legislation will now also prohibit these agencies from having any direct interest in projects which apply for funding.
He added that continuous improvement remains the main objective of the NLC and it is thanks to the ongoing participation of its stakeholders that they’re meeting this goal.
The NLC receives about 15000 applications for funding from across all sectors every year, requesting in the region of R40 billion. The NLC’s annual budget for funding is R2 billion.
“We can’t meet all expectations but I am encouraged by the efforts of the NLC towards the sustainability of projects because this will empower them to seek alternative forms of funding,” Davies said.
Nevhutanda concluded by asking delegates to imagine South Africa without the National Lottery, without the regulation of lotteries and without funding for good causes.
“I don’t believe our Rainbow Nation would be what it is today without it. The NLC must continue to ensure the protection of the public and the vulnerable and we must allwork together to eradicate illegal lottery activities. The impact of the National Lottery on South Africa over the past 16 years is a testament to the thousands of lives it’s changed and continues to change.”
Follow @SA_NLC for live coverage of the Indaba (hashtag #NLCIndaba).
You can also like the National Lotteries Commission Facebook page ( or follow on Instagram (
ENDS
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PREPARED ON BEHALF OF THE NLC BY CATHY FINDLEY PUBLIC RELATIONS. CONTACT NICOLA HONEY ON (011) 463-6372 OR EMAIL
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) was established in terms of the Lotteries Amendment Act (No 32 of 2013) to regulate the National Lottery as well as other lotteries, including society lotteries to raise funds and promotional competitions. The NLC evolved out of the National Lotteries Board, established in terms of the Lotteries Act No 57 of 1997. The National Lotteries Commission was launched in June 2015. Other responsibilities of the Commission include advising the Minister of Trade and Industry on policy matters relating to the National Lottery and other lotteries. NLC members are also trustees of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), into which National Lottery proceeds that are intended for allocation to good causes are deposited. The NLC does not adjudicate applications for funding or make allocations to organisations. This is done by committees known as distributing agencies which are also appointed by the Minister of Trade and Industry, in conjunction with other relevant Ministers, after a process of public nomination. The NLC provides administrative support to the distributing agencies.