The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched a formal investigation into a controversial R18 million National Lotteries Commission (NLC) bid awarded to a foundation linked to the family of Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
At the centre of the probe is the House of Humanity Foundation, a non-profit organisation reportedly run by Mashatile’s daughter-in-law, Nkele Mashatile. The DA has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to obtain full disclosure on the bid evaluation process that led to the approval of the substantial lottery grant.
According to the DA’s deputy spokesperson on social development, Reinet Meyer, the party believes the grant may have been awarded improperly and is demanding transparency from both the NLC and the Department of Social Development.
“It is unacceptable that a foundation connected to the family of the Deputy President should receive such a large windfall while thousands of legitimate NGOs struggle to access support,” said Meyer.
The party is now calling on Minister Lindiwe Zulu and the Lotteries Commission to account for how and why the bid was approved, raising questions about fairness, political interference, and governance within the Commission.
The grant was reportedly part of a special call for proposals issued in 2023, but critics argue that the House of Humanity Foundation had no proven track record of implementing projects of such scale. Media reports have also pointed to concerns over transparency in the selection process.
The controversy adds to the ongoing scrutiny of the NLC, which has been plagued by allegations of corruption and political patronage in past funding cycles.
The DA has indicated it will continue pursuing this matter until all documents are made public and full accountability is achieved. It has also warned that should irregularities be uncovered, legal action will be taken to ensure those responsible face consequences.
The Office of the Deputy President has not issued a statement on the matter at the time of going to print.
