Minnie Dlamini responds to SIU, refutes theft allegations
Media figure Minnie Dlamini has addressed recent claims regarding her involvement in a matter linked to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) pertaining to the misappropriation of National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funds.
The issue arose from a 2016 event for which Minnie received a fee for an appearance that ultimately did not take place.
The SIU claims that the payment was part of funds currently under investigation, leading the agency to name her in its disclosures.
In her defense, Minnie took to Instagram, elaborating on her stance and condemning the SIU for allegedly attempting to damage her reputation without just cause.
“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 wrote.
Minnie articulated that the engagement was a legitimate professional booking, and she received R50,000 for services that were ultimately not rendered due to the event’s cancellation.
“This was a standard commercial booking, no different to the many bookings I have undertaken throughout my career,” she explained, pointing out that non-refundable fees are a typical practice when event organizers cancel.
She further noted that she had no insight into the sources of funding the organizers used for her payment.
“At no point was I made aware, nor could I reasonably have known, the source of the funds used by the organisers to book me. I do not involve myself in unlawful activities, and I categorically reject any narrative that suggests otherwise,” Minnie stated.
On her decision to reimburse the amount nearly ten years later, she cited difficulties in retrieving documentation from that time.
In the end, she opted to repay the sum to mitigate any ongoing public connection to the incident.
“Given the minimal amount involved, and in order to avoid prolonged association with a matter that I was never involved in, I made the pragmatic 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 explained.
She firmly denied any implication of theft.
“It is critical to be clear. I did not steal any money. I was a service provider booked for a job,” Minnie said.
The television personality also criticized the SIU for publicly targeting her while implying misconduct where there was none, describing the actions as “irresponsible, unfair, and deeply damaging”.
“My reputation is my livelihood. I have built my brand over many years through hard work, integrity, and professionalism,” she added, asserting her rights regarding the situation.
Minnie’s remarks prompted significant responses from fans, celebrities, and acquaintances, many of whom supported her opinion.
Somizi Mhlongo expressed his views, suggesting that Minnie was a scapegoat.
“Babe u were the sacrificial lamb. You are Minnie Dlamini. They had to use yo name to distract us from the actual thieves. I mean make it make sense. How cud they publicly go crazy about R50k over R29m. Who stole the balance of R28 950 000.00. Nxa shame on them,” he commented.
Actress Amanda du Pont also came to Minnie’s defense, pointing out the realities artists face in the entertainment world.
“As if we earn enough to do background checks for each booking 🙄 please man! Half the time we have no in-depth understanding of who the client is besides a general google search,” she wrote.
She further mentioned that cancellations typically result in financial loss for performers, making non-refundable fees a common industry standard, and described the media coverage surrounding Minnie as “sensationalist junk and diversions to real truths”.
