National Lotteries Commission Scandal: Whistleblower Shares Details of How Corruption Was Exposed
When Sello Qhina disclosed protected information and flagged a conflict of interest within the National Lotteries Commission(NLC), he had no idea that in 2022, eight people, such as actress Terry Pheto would be implicated in corruption at the NLC.
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Qhina describes himself as a man of principle and a firm believer in God.
His journey started in 1996, working with non-government organisations and parastatals. He has dedicated 10 years of his life to working at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), but he was let go on two separate occasions for fighting for what was right.
In an exclusive interview with Briefly News, Qhina narrates his ups and downs at the organisation that led to his unfair dismissal and a signed proclamation from President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate one of the biggest corruption scandals at the NLC.
Qhina and colleagues fired in 2008 after questioning the commission's executive chairperson
In 2008, Qhina and 10 other colleagues were fired after raising concerns about how the organisation was run. Their dismissal came after questioning the commission's chief executive officer(CEO), Vevek Ram's employment contract and powers.
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Qhina explains they were unhappy with the organisation's status quo and felt it was not inclusive enough. He added that they did not agree with policies implemented within the NLC.
Qhina and his colleagues raised their concerns with management and involved Human Resources (HR); however, their plight was not taken seriously.
They even drafted a petition backed and signed by other staff members, but their concerns fell on deaf ears.
Since the employees were not satisfied with how their grievances were dealt with, they approached the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), to find out if they could access the chairperson's employment contract and understand what his powers within the NLC entailed.
The CCMA backed Qhina and his colleagues and were told they had the right to access Ram's employment contract, but they were all fired instead of getting access to the contract.
"They said we must retract what we sent and stay away from what we were doing," said Qhina.
Qhina and his colleagues knew they were within their rights, and the Labour Relations Act protected their right to strike and petition, so they fought against their unfair dismissal.
Constitutional Court orders reinstatement of Qhina and colleagues 6 years after dismissal
After years of court battles, in 2014, the Constitutional Court validated Qhina and his colleagues and reinstated them.
"On the 10th of April 2014, that was when the Consitutional Court said it was unfair dismissal," said Qhina gleefully.
Qhina was happy to return to the NLC because his fight was not in vain. Upon his return, new management was placed, and he was happy to use his skills as a project manager with an accounting background to ensure the organisation ran smoothly.
Qhina fired again after exposing more fraud at National Lottery Commission
However, Qhina's happiness at the organisation was short-lived.
He was suspended in 2018 and fired again a year later when he discovered that a senior employee was unduly benefitting from NLC funds meant for poorer communities.
"I realised that there was information not in line with the Public Finance Management Act, and there was a conflict of interest within the organisation.
"One of the senior employees within the organisation had contracts that they were not supposed to have," explained Qhina.
He added that some projects were not running smoothly because the senior employee had received funds not meant for them.
"Communities raised issues and complained about how certain projects were run. Basically, the project came to a standstill. It was abandoned," said Qhina.
Communities wanted to know how much money a particular project received and who was the beneficiary of those funds.
Qhina gave them access to that information, but his decision was frowned upon.
"By doing so, my employer regarded that as a breach of confidentiality and brought the name of the commission to disrepute. So, I went to CCMA and I was beginning to win the case.
But the issues that I raised, as a result of my interaction with the project and the people invovled, led to an investigation and a proclamatin by the president.
"He proclaimed there must be an investigation at the National Lotteries Commission," explained Qhina.
The Special Investigating Unit investigated the matter and implicated:
- Former NLC boss, Thabang Charlotte Mampane,
- Lawyer Lesley Ramulifho,
- Collin Mukondeleli Tshisimba,
- Fulufhelo Promise Kharivhe,
- Motheri Pheto (a.k.a Terry Pheto),
- Mashudu Shandukani, Sthembiso Jim Skosana, and
- Botshelo Cornelius.
The SIU was eventually granted a preservation order by the North Gauteng High Court to seize assets valued at more than R25 million.
According to IOL, the items included nine luxury vehicles, nine expensive houses in luxurious residential estates and two Ocean Basket franchises.
Qhina added that he had no idea that his disclosure would lead to such a huge scandal. Qhina added he didn't know how far the corruption went.
How exposing corruption at the National Lotteries Commission affected Sello Qhina's life
Qhina explained that while he may have suffered and lost his job, he has no regrets about his decision because he helped communities.
Although he was never directly threatened, Qhina moved his family out of fear that their lives might be in danger.
Qhina added that his fear subsided with his strong faith in God and the precautions he took.
"I have always been careful."
His car was repossessed, and his family moved to an informal settlement for their safety.
Qhina's family was also heavily affected by his decision to blow the whistle at the NLC.
His oldest daughter suffered hardships, and his youngest daughter had to leave the prospect of going national as a young gymnast.
Qhina explained the Whistleblowers of South Africa, people within the SIU and a journalist support him.
They believe he should be reinstated and celebrated for exposing the corrupt dealings at the NLC.
When asked if he would return to the NLC, Qhina enthusiastically said he would:
"Definitely, I would go back because I believe I was called there to do work."
Outside of his work in the NLC, Qhina is involved in many community-based projects and wants to ensure good governance and societal accountability.
While he may be praised for his hard work, Qhina says he is just an ordinary person doing his best to make a difference.
Mzansi calls out SA Lotto after details of Terry Pheto's sister being mastermind behind a R4 million scam
In other news, Briefly News reported that Terry Pheto's legal trouble grows as more information comes out. The beloved actress has been implicated in fraudulent activities with her sister Dimakatso.
Terry has been in headlines following reports, with many people wondering how she got involved.
According to recent reports, Terry's sister, Dimakatso got exposed for registering an NGO after not meeting the requirements but still receiving funding of R3.5 million.
In a Twitter post, journalist Raymond Joseph from Ground Up alleges that Dimakatso received R1.5 million a month later.
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Source: Briefly News
