The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has frozen the luxury home of Alfred Sigudhla, a key figure in the looting of South Africa’s lottery. The property, located in Centurion, Pretoria, was purchased using funds siphoned from lottery grants meant for community projects.
How the Funds Were Diverted
The SIU uncovered a network of non-profit companies (NPCs) and private entities used to launder money before transferring it to an attorney handling the property purchase.
Sigudhla, founder of the Southern African Youth Movement (SAYM), is among 14 individuals and four companies named in the Special Tribunal order issued on April 23, 2025.
Lottery Grants Under Investigation
SAYM received nearly R70-million in lottery grants, including:
- R27.5-million for an old-age home in the Free State (still unopened).
- R27-million for a drug rehabilitation center in Mpumalanga (unfinished).
- R15-million for an anti-drug musical that only ran for five days.
Tracing the Money Trail
The SIU investigation revealed:
- R1.6-million from the Free State old-age home grant was paid to Smart Safety PPE, which then transferred R1.67-million to an attorney for Sigudhla’s home.
- R13-million allocated for a KwaZulu-Natal agricultural project was partially redirected to Trizaflo (Pty) Ltd, which then paid R2.1-million toward the property purchase.
Sigudhla’s Lavish Lifestyle
Investigative reports show Sigudhla lobbied for proactive funding, which allowed the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) to award grants without applications—leading to R2-billion in looted funds.
Before making his Facebook profile private, Sigudhla frequently posted photos of luxury cars, Moët & Chandon champagne, and celebrity parties.
Government Action & Consequences
The Special Tribunal has also frozen a house owned by the wife of former NLC COO Phillemon Letwaba, which was similarly purchased using lottery funds.
The SIU continues to investigate unfinished lottery-funded projects, and further legal action is expected.
