ITHUBA granted last-minute 12-month temporary lottery licence
ITHUBA has confirmed that the National Lottery will continue without interruption from 1 June 2025.
In a press statement issued late on Saturday evening, ITHUBA stated that: 'After careful consideration and prioritising the interests of South Africans, ITHUBA has reached an agreement with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and the National Lotteries Commission to operate the South African National Lottery, ensuring its ongoing contribution to good causes.
'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 – with the same exciting jackpots and seamless service that they are accustomed to.
'ITHUBA continues to serve its core mandate: raising funds for the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) to uplift communities across South Africa.'
Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau has issued a 12-month temporary licence to ITHUBA Holdings.
Tau said in a statement that this is in a bid to avoid a potentially disruptive pause in operations at the National Lottery.
In a statement, Tau confirmed that the 12-month appointment takes effect on Sunday, 1 June following negotiations.
This comes despite the high court ruling that issuing the incumbent ITHUBA a 12-month temporary licence is unconstitutional and favoured the current operator.
Tau confirmed he is appealing this judgment as another court judgment confirmed his authority to make such an appointment in the public interest.
This follows concerns that ticket sales would cease until the new licence holder, Sizekhaya, could take over operations next year.
Concerns were also raised about the impact on funds to charities that benefit from the National Lottery Commission.
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