South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, acclaimed for his role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, is now in the spotlight for alleged involvement in a significant financial scandal tied to misappropriated National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funding.

An investigation led by GroundUp journalist Raymond Joseph uncovered Chweneyagae’s connection to a R15 million grant, reportedly awarded due to close ties with former NLC executives and board members.

This grant was part of a larger R67.5 million disbursed to the Southern African Youth Movement (SAYM) for community-oriented projects aimed at youth and social development.

The SAYM funds were originally allocated for three impactful projects: a drug rehabilitation center in Mpumalanga, a care home for the elderly in Botshabelo, and a musical event titled Taking Back the Future, planned to tour three provinces in 2017.

Chweneyagae was actively involved in the musical project as a co-writer and co-director. However, there is minimal evidence to suggest the musical event took place beyond an initial opening night, sparking suspicion about the project’s actual execution.

Additionally, the Presley Chweneyagae Foundation’s logo appeared in promotional materials for the event, hinting at a deeper involvement in the project’s management.

Despite these serious allegations, attempts by the press to obtain Chweneyagae’s comments on the accusations remain unsuccessful. His silence has only fueled speculation and public concern about transparency and accountability. This scandal has implicated not only Chweneyagae but also other prominent South African figures, most notably actress Terry Pheto.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has issued a high court preservation order to freeze nine luxury properties in Gauteng, a BMW 420i, and two Ocean Basket franchises on the East Rand, all reportedly linked to Pheto. She has denied the allegations, insisting on her lack of involvement and expressing shock over the situation.

The scandal has brought significant public attention to the misuse of public funds in South Africa and raised questions about the NLC’s accountability and oversight.

Many South Africans are now calling for stronger checks and reforms to prevent similar cases in the future, emphasizing the need for transparency in funding allocation and for influential public figures to act as positive role models.

The ongoing SIU investigation is expected to uncover more details in the coming months, with additional personalities and entities potentially being implicated.

This case underscores the importance of independent journalism and investigative work in uncovering corruption.

With figures like Chweneyagae and Pheto, who were once widely celebrated for their contributions to South African cinema, now entangled in a web of financial scandal, the fallout is likely to reshape public trust in both the entertainment industry and public institutions.

The NLC case also serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for government bodies to ensure that funds intended for community upliftment truly reach those in need rather than getting diverted for personal gain.