Terry Pheto Linked To R20.56 Million NLC Funding Scandal In SIU Probe

South African actress Terry Pheto has once again been drawn into controversy after new details emerged in Parliament linking her to alleged financial misconduct involving the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

The revelations were presented during a briefing to the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. The session formed part of an ongoing investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the handling of NLC funds.

SIU senior manager Mashudu Netshikweta told the committee that investigators had uncovered questionable transactions tied to a project initially intended to support public health and culturally sensitive medical initiatives.

SIU Findings On R20.56 Million NLC Project Funding

According to the SIU, a company known as Zibsimode received R20.56 million for a circumcision-related initiative. The funding was earmarked for programmes aimed at promoting public health and supporting traditional practices.

However, the SIU alleges that the funds were not utilised for their intended purpose. Instead, the money is said to have been redirected to benefit several individuals.

Those named in the findings include Pheto, former NLC chairperson Alfred Nevhutanda, businessman Malwandla Siweya and former NLC chief operations officer Phillemon Letwaba.

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Investigators also flagged a separate payment of R5 million, which was reportedly transferred through another entity, Zibsibix. The SIU claims that this amount ultimately benefited Nevhutanda through Pheto.

These developments add to earlier scrutiny involving the actress, who has previously been connected to another lottery-related fraud case that involved multiple accused parties.

At the time, Pheto denied any wrongdoing.