Former NLC board member Advocate Huma ordered to pay back R21-million received in unlawful grants

JOHANNESBURG - Former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) board member Advocate William Elias Huma has been ordered to pay back R21 million he received in unlawful grants.

Between August and September 2020, the NLC awarded two grants to non-profit organisations linked to the family members of Huma.

The grants were for the empowerment of women, youth and disabled people living in the villages of the Bojanala District in the North West.

In its judgment, the special tribunal, which presides over matters brought by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), found that the grant money was not used for its intended purposes.

"The tribunal further found former NLC board member, advocate William Elias Huma, his affiliated entities, and the beneficiary organisations caused the NLC to suffer damages in the amount of R21,158,118.00, citing egregious misconduct, negligence, dishonesty, and violations of fiduciary duties," said SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago.

"The respondents are ordered to repay in full R 21,158.118.00. The SIU has already commenced the process to execute the order and recover the full amount from the respondents. The process is ongoing."