Why Minnie Dlamini paid back R50k after SIU lottery probe despite denying wrongdoing

South African actress and model Minenhle “Minnie” Dlamini has spoken out following a settlement agreement reached with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) over funds linked to the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). 

Dlamini was one of several beneficiaries who received money from the Mshandukani Foundation NPO, which came under investigation for the misappropriation of the NLC grant funding.

The SIU said that the foundation had received approximately R24.8 million from the NLC through the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

These funds were distributed to various beneficiaries, including Dlamini, “without lawful justification or in contravention of the grant agreement,” according to SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.

As part of the settlement, Dlamini agreed to repay the R50,000 that she received in 2016 from the foundation. The money was originally meant to support the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Roadshow, but was not used for its intended purpose. 

Dlamini addressed the matter publicly on social media, stating: “I am deeply disappointed by the Special Investigating Unit’s decision to issue a public statement that has sought to intentionally and unfairly damage my reputation in relation to a matter that I was never involved in, nor had any knowledge of.”

She explained that in 2016, she was booked for a professional engagement and was paid R50,000 for services that did not ultimately take place.

“This was a standard commercial booking, no different from the many bookings that I have undertaken throughout my career. At no point was I made aware, nor could I reasonably have known, the source of the funds used by the organisers to book me,” she said.

Dlamini added: “I do not involve myself in unlawful activities, and I categorically reject any narrative that suggests otherwise. Nearly a decade later, I was asked to produce supporting documentation from 2016. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to locate certain records due to the passage of time."

"Given the minimal amount involved, and in order to avoid prolonged association with a matter that I was never involved in, I made the pragmatic decision to repay the amount, not because I did anything wrong, but because R50,000 is not worth the reputational harm to my name, my brand, or my business.”

She emphasised: “I did not steal any money. I was a service provider booked for a job.”

Dlamini criticised the SIU for publicly highlighting her involvement.

“The SIU chose to publicly single me out, issue a statement on many public platforms, and continue discussing my so-called compliance in media interviews, all while insinuating wrongdoing where none exists. This is irresponsible, unfair and deeply damaging."

"My reputation is my livelihood. The narrative being created around my name is false, misleading and unjust, and I strongly object to my name being used for attention or publicity,” she said.