Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau has announced Sizekhaya Holdings as the preferred bidder to operate the Fourth National Lottery and Sports Pools License. The decision follows a competitive bidding process involving eight consortiums.
Sizekhaya Holdings counts among its shareholders Goldrush, a gambling company linked to prominent businessman Sandile Zungu. The selection marks a significant milestone in the long-running process to award the lucrative license.
In a statement, Minister Tau confirmed that he had received a report from the National Lottery Commission (NLC) confirming the satisfactory conclusion of negotiations with Sizekhaya. He commended the parties involved for completing negotiations on time but expressed frustration over the matter already being entangled in litigation.
“The announcement ends a long and difficult process of evaluating eight applications for the fourth license,” Tau said. However, he revealed that the decision has faced legal challenges, with a High Court judgment already issued on the matter. The minister is now seeking legal advice with the intention to appeal the court’s findings and orders.
The awarding of the lottery license has been a contentious issue, with previous attempts marred by delays and legal disputes. The latest development is expected to draw further scrutiny, given the involvement of high-profile business figures and the lucrative nature of the national lottery franchise.
Stakeholders will be watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold, with the future of South Africa’s fourth national lottery hanging in the balance.
