After delays and court action, trade, industry and competition minister Parks Tau has announced Sizekhaya Holdings as the winner of the fourth national lottery licence.
Ithuba Holdings, which ran the lottery for the past 10 years, will see its operations come to an end on Saturday.
“On May 26 I received a report from the National Lotteries Commission regarding the satisfactory conclusion of negotiations with the preferred bidder for the fourth national lottery and sports pools licence," Tau said.
TimesLIVE's sister publication Business Day reported recently that Sizekhaya Consortium, in which gambling company Gold Rush is the main shareholder, was likely to be appointed for the eight-year licence.
“Accordingly I am pleased to announce I have awarded Sizekhaya Holdings (“Sizekhaya”) the licence in terms of the Lotteries Act,” Tau said.
The winning consortium is reportedly led by KwaZulu-Natal businesspeople Moses Tembe and Sandile Zungu.
Tau said he intended to make the announcement on Wednesday, “provided the licence agreement negotiations with the preferred bidder were successfully concluded.
“I wish to thank the parties to the negotiations for completing their work in time.
“It is most unfortunate this matter has become the subject of litigation and a judgment of the high court. I am seeking legal advice with a view to appealing against the judgment’s findings and orders.”
The awarding of the last three lottery licences had to be battled out in courts and this one looks likely to be the subject of more litigation, with the court being the final arbiter in disputes between bidders and the minister.
“I reserve all my rights concerning this judgment. With due respect to the honourable high court, my announcement is the result of my undertaking made to the bidders and the court before the hearing of the application.”
TimesLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.