Gospel Star Kholeka Dubula Denies Role in R25 Million NLC Olympic Funding Scandal
Award-winning gospel singer Kholeka Dubula has strongly denied any involvement in the alleged looting of nearly R25 million in National Lottery Commission (NLC) funding, insisting she is being unfairly implicated after receiving payment for a legitimate performance.
Dubula, best known for her hit song Ewe Siyakuvuma, has found herself named in a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report examining the alleged diversion of R24.98 million that was originally allocated to support the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s (Sascoc) Rio 2016 Olympic tour.
According to the SIU, Dubula received R30,000 from funds that investigators believe were unlawfully diverted. The unit is seeking to recover the money from all listed beneficiaries, including the gospel artist.
However, Dubula has firmly rejected any suggestion that she knowingly benefited from stolen funds.
“Our names are being dragged through the mud,” she said.
The singer explained that the payment was made for a live performance at an event in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.
“I went there, performed, and got paid. Therefore, we should be asking event organisers where they get their funding from,” Dubula said.
Her comments come as the SIU intensifies efforts to recover millions of rand allegedly misappropriated through a network of individuals, businesses and organisations.
How the Money Allegedly Moved
The SIU’s investigation paints a detailed picture of how the funds were allegedly redirected after leaving the National Lottery Commission.
According to investigators, the NLC transferred R24.98 million to Sascoc for the Rio 2016 Olympic project. Sascoc reportedly retained R150,000 before transferring approximately R24.83 million to the Mshandukani Foundation.
The SIU states that the foundation’s bank account held only R500 before receiving the substantial transfer.
Investigators allege that the money was then distributed to a number of companies and individuals, including:
- Ironbridge Travel Agency: R15.35 million, allegedly linked to former NLC Chief Operating Officer Philemon Letwaba.
- Mshandukani Holdings: R7.2 million, owned by Mashudu Shandukani.
- Mosokodi Business Trust: R3 million, allegedly linked to Letwaba.
- Ndzhuku Trading: R2 million, owned by Malwandla Solly Siweka.
- Tsietsi Maselwa: R600,000, former NLC legal executive.
- Philemon Letwaba: R450,000.
- Benza Consulting: R85,000, owned by Raphael Benza.
- Mbizo Events: R85,000.
- Minnie Dlamini: R50,000.
- Kholeka Dubula-Sosibo: R30,000.
Some Beneficiaries Have Already Repaid the Funds
Among those named in the SIU report, television personality Minnie Dlamini and Mbizo Events have already repaid the money they received.
Dlamini has previously stated that her payment was legitimate compensation for hosting the event in Gqeberha and denied any knowledge that the funds were allegedly linked to unlawful activity.
The SIU is continuing its efforts to recover outstanding amounts from the remaining beneficiaries identified in the investigation.
Dubula Maintains Her Innocence
For Dubula, the controversy has cast an unwanted shadow over her music career.
The gospel singer maintains that she simply honoured a performance booking and accepted payment in the normal course of business. She insists she had no knowledge of the alleged source of the funds and believes the focus should instead be on those responsible for organising and financing the event.
As the SIU continues to pursue the recovery of millions of rand allegedly diverted from public funding, the investigation remains one of South Africa’s most closely watched corruption cases, with several prominent names facing growing scrutiny over their alleged links to the controversial payments.
