Incoming national lottery operator Sizekhaya Holdings says it is on course to roll out its systems within the next 90 days.
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Incoming national lottery operator Sizekhaya Holdings says it is on course to roll out its systems within the next 90 days, expanding the lottery’s accessibility footprint through banking, retail and handheld device platforms, with more frequent jackpots.
The company remains unperturbed by the ongoing review of the licensing process and allegations of political connections to Deputy President Paul Mashatile. The review was initiated by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Parks Tau.
In an update on Monday, Sizekhaya chief operations officer Fundi Sithebe said the group was emboldened by the Pretoria High Court’s November ruling against incumbent operator and rival Ithuba Holdings’ application challenging the award of the five-year, R180 billion fourth National Lottery and Sports Pools licence.
Ithuba had claimed the process was flawed and that key criteria around technical expertise, readiness and evaluation had been ignored. It also raised concerns about alleged political links between some of Sizekhaya’s shareholders.
“Every single lottery licence that has been awarded has always been litigated against. While we are comfortable with the strength and value proposition of our bid, there is no stopping or hesitation — it’s full systems go. Ninety days is around the corner, and our guarantee is that we will deliver a seamless and exciting Lotto on June 1, regardless of what is happening in court,” Sithebe said.
Responding to allegations that the Goldrush-backed consortium has political links — including claims that some shareholders in Belamont Trading, a Sizekhaya partner, have familial ties to Deputy President Paul Mashatile — Sithebe said the company had followed the Lotteries Act of 1997 to the letter.
Allegations have also centred on reported familial links involving Khumo Bugathu, who is set to be a co-owner of Belamont Trading and is said to be Mashatile’s sister-in-law, as well as businessman Moses Tembe, who is described as a close associate of the Deputy President.
Sithebe said Sizekhaya had “absolutely” complied with all legislative requirements.
“Our proposal offers a superior value proposition, not only in innovation but also operationally. This is an incredible undertaking backed by Goldrush, an entity invested in South Africa that owns 50%. The message is that the National Lottery is in good hands. We will deliver on integrity, trust and bring a solid group of individuals to the forefront to ensure a superior product offering,” she said.
Among the changes Sizekhaya plans to introduce, Sithebe said the most significant would be the widespread availability of retailer terminals.
“We are integrating many more terminals across the South African footprint, which means players will have greater and better accessibility through retail outlets. We have also secured expanded access through banks, enabling customers to access lottery offerings via banking apps across a far broader population.
“We have partnered with smaller SMEs in townships and rural areas. The lottery will be accessible in stores and through B2B partners using small handheld devices. We have also adjusted the jackpot structure, allowing jackpots to grow bigger and roll over more frequently, as it currently takes longer to win,” Sithebe said.
She added that while the group aims to enhance visibility and accessibility, it supports further discussions around strengthening the policy framework to curb gambling-related harm.
“It would be irresponsible for Sizekhaya to say we are unaware of what is happening in the landscape. This is not just a South African issue — it is an international phenomenon that we are all grappling with. With the backing of partners like Goldrush, which is embedded in governance and client protection, we are confident that, together with our own enhancements, we will safeguard players and ensure integrity against overexposure,” she said.
Sithebe said a multifaceted discussion is required, spanning various pieces of legislation that may need reform. She added that illegal betting must also be tackled, and that Sizekhaya has the necessary checks and balances in place, along with a firm commitment to protecting lottery players.
BUSINESS REPORT