NLC Moves to Stabilise Grant Process as Digital Shift Reshapes 2024/25 Funding Cycle
After months of frustration from applicants, the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has acknowledged delays in its 2024/25 grant adjudication process, attributing much of the disruption to the roll out of its new digital funding platform.
The Commission has apologised to grant applicants and confirmed that technical upgrades are underway to stabilise the system, which was introduced to modernise and streamline how funding applications are processed.
At the centre of the transition is the Thuthuka online grant management system, a web-based platform designed to replace paper submissions and centralise the entire funding lifecycle, from registration to payment.
The 2024/25 funding cycle was the first to run entirely through the new platform. While the digital move is intended to improve transparency and efficiency, it has also exposed capacity and compliance challenges.
More than 16,000 organisations registered on the system. However, around 7,000 were flagged as non-compliant due to incomplete or unverifiable information, a significant figure that highlights ongoing administrative hurdles within the non-profit sector. In total, 3,070 applications were submitted nationwide. Adjudication began in August 2025 and remains in progress.
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Commissioner Jodi Scholtz positioned the shift as a long-term structural reform rather than a short-term fix. “We are investing in technology to improve the processing of applications and payments, an area that has historically presented challenges for the NLC. With this new online system, we are working to improve efficiency and change the turnaround times. We continue to encourage NPOs to attend our education and awareness workshops across provinces to better understand the system and its requirements.”
The Commission says it has expanded support through compliance workshops, awareness campaigns and helpdesks aimed at assisting organisations struggling to meet regulatory requirements. Despite the intended efficiencies, applicants have reported intermittent connectivity problems and delays in system responsiveness. The Commission acknowledged the impact this has had on user experience.
“The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) is aware of intermittent connectivity challenges affecting the system. These issues are linked to system upgrades and higher traffic volumes as part of the digital transformation programme. We assure beneficiaries that no application will be disadvantaged. Technical teams are implementing enhancements and providing additional user support to stabilise the platform. We appreciate the public’s patience and will issue further updates as improvements are completed.”
In July 2025, ten Distribution Agency members were appointed by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition to evaluate and adjudicate applications in terms of the Lotteries Act. These members are responsible for recommending funding allocations to qualifying causes. The Commission has committed to issuing a further update by 31 March 2026, outlining progress on adjudications and grant disbursements.
