LOTTO DODGES CRISIS

THE National Lottery is still aan’ie gaan, thanks to an urgent Gauteng High Court on Friday. 

With Lotto operators Ithuba’s contract set to expire on 30 May, the court extended the company’s lease in order to keep the sweepstakes going. 

In a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of Ithuba, Michelle van Trotsenburg said that after careful consideration and prioritisation of South Africans' interests, it had reached an agreement with the Minister of Trade and the NCL to operate the South African National Lottery, ensuring its continued contribution to good causes.

Van Trotsenburg says: "As a proudly 100% black-owned South African operator, ITHUBA remains steadfast in its commitment to operate the National Lottery with integrity, transparency, and for the benefit of South Africans. Participants can be rest assured that all games, draws, and prize pay-outs will continue as normal.”

New operators Sizekhaya Holdings will run the lotto from next year. 

Chairman Moses Tembe  has expressed the company's gratitude for being awarded the fourth lottery licence by the National Lottery

He adds: "We welcome that the honourable Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau appreciated the power of our vision. 

“When the National Lottery was first mooted after the ushering in of our democracy, the most compelling argument for its existence was income it could generate to help the poorest and most vulnerable of South Africans.

“In its 25 years of operation, the lottery has funded thousands of organisations that contribute to much needed community development. 

“But we believe that it can deliver so much more. That is why Sizekhaya Holdings bid for the lottery."