Minnie Dlamini Says ‘I’m Being Targeted!’ After SIU Names Her In Lottery Funds Probe

Beloved TV personality Minnie Dlamini has come out swinging against the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) after being publicly linked to irregular National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funds, accusing the agency of unfairly singling her out and damaging her reputation.

Following recent statements by the SIU, Minnie—real name Minenhle Dlamini—found herself trending for all the wrong reasons after it emerged that she had repaid R50,000 allegedly received through the Mshandukani Foundation NPO, which was funded by an NLC grant linked to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Roadshow.

But according to Minnie? The narrative being pushed is misleading—and she wants the record straight.

Minnie Dlamini SIU Drama: “I Was Never Involved in Any Wrongdoing”

SurgeZirc SA previously reported that the SIU concluded a settlement agreement with Minnie as part of its broader investigation into the misappropriation of NLC funds. While the SIU claims the money was not used for its intended purpose, Minnie insists she had zero knowledge of where the funds came from.

In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Minnie slammed the SIU’s decision to go public, saying it was a deliberate move that painted her as guilty in the court of public opinion.

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“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 I was never involved in, nor had any knowledge of,” she said.

According to Minnie, the R50,000 payment dates back to 2016, when she was booked for a professional engagement that was later cancelled because the event never took place.

She explained that the payment was a standard appearance fee, adding that in the entertainment industry, such fees are non-refundable when an organiser cancels an event.

“I Paid It Back for Peace, Not Because I’m Guilty”

Minnie also revealed why she chose to repay the R50,000—despite maintaining her innocence.

Nearly a decade later, the SIU requested documentation from 2016. Due to the passage of time, she was unable to retrieve some records. Rather than drag the issue out and risk further damage to her brand, Minnie made what she called a pragmatic decision.

“Given the minimal amount involved, and in order to avoid prolonged association with a matter that I was never involved in, I made the 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 added emphatically: “I do not involve myself in unlawful activities, and I categorically reject any narrative that suggests otherwise.”

Social media, of course, is split down the middle. Some fans believe Minnie is being used as a high-profile example, while others question why celebrities often end up caught in NLC-linked controversies.

So what do YOU think, Mzansi? Was Minnie unfairly targeted—or does repayment always raise eyebrows?

Sound off in the comments.

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