The Trade, Industry and Competition Portfolio Committee has shortlisted six candidates for the position of Chairperson of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

This follows the announcement by the current chair, Professor Barney Pityana, of his intention to step down at the end of this year. Despite having two years remaining on his contract, Professor Pityana, 80, has agreed to stay in office until a new chairperson is appointed.

The six candidates shortlisted for the position of chairperson of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), who will now move forward in the selection process, are as follows:

1. Lufuno Toyko Nevondwe: An advocate and current chairperson of the independent trust that safeguards lottery funds. He also serves on the boards of the Film and Publication Board and the South African National Space Agency.
2. Nomazotsho Yvonne Memani: A practicing advocate with extensive experience in both public and private sectors, specializing in high-stakes litigation.
3. Judy Hermans: A former ANC MP and whip of the party’s Trade, Industry, and Competition portfolio committee study group. She was later appointed chair of the portfolio committee.
4. King Tembinkosi Bonakele: A current member of the NLC board, he is a lawyer and former Commissioner of the Competition Commission of South Africa, holding an MBA.
5. Wayne Manthe: A chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, specializing in forensic, sustainable, and internal auditing, as well as risk management.
6. Mpho Mosing: Former chair of the audit and risk committee of the State Diamonds Trader and a member of the Gauteng Liquor Board commission of inquiry into fraud and governance controls.

The committee will interview the shortlisted candidates on 11 and 12 November. After the interviews, a report will be submitted to Parliament for debate. The final shortlist will then be forwarded to the relevant minister for appointment.