Inside the Weekend That Saved South Africa’s National Lottery

South Africa’s National Lottery came dangerously close to going dark. In a dramatic turn of events, it took a tense, high-level weekend meeting — and some swift political maneuvering — to pull the Lottery back from the edge.

Until late Saturday, uncertainty loomed. The courts had just ruled that Ithuba Holdings, the current operator of the National Lottery, could only hang onto its license for five more months. The problem? That timeline wasn’t enough to hand over operations smoothly to the new preferred operator, Sizekhaya Holdings.

That’s when Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau, stepped in.

Behind Closed Doors: One Meeting That Changed Everything

Sources familiar with the events say that a high-stakes meeting was called urgently on Saturday. Present were senior officials from the National Lottery Commission (NLC), Ithuba Holdings, and Minister Tau himself. The stakes couldn’t have been higher: thousands of livelihoods tied to lottery operations, millions of weekly players, and a looming legal battle over the handover.

Ithuba made their position clear — operating for only five months would mean a staggering R51 million loss. The company argued this would not only hurt their business but also risk disrupting the integrity of the Lottery system South Africans have come to trust.

Minister Tau listened — and acted.

By Sunday, Tau had granted a full 12-month temporary license to Ithuba Holdings. This extension allows them to keep running the National Lottery until the end of May 2026. The aim: ensure a seamless transition to Sizekhaya Holdings, without confusing the public or compromising the Lottery’s credibility.

Ithuba Stays On, But Not Without a Fight

Ithuba has been a familiar name to millions of South Africans over the years, not just for selling lottery tickets, but for its community investment and commitment to technological innovation. The operator has often highlighted that it built the first African-owned central lottery system — for South Africans, by South Africans.

So it was no surprise that the company felt disappointed when the licence was awarded to Sizekhaya Holdings instead.

Despite the setback, Ithuba has accepted the 12-month extension and promised to maintain the standard South Africans expect. “We will continue to operate with integrity, transparency, and for the benefit of our people,” the company said.

A New Operator on the Horizon

While Ithuba remains in the driver’s seat for another year, all eyes are now on Sizekhaya Holdings. Set to officially take over in June 2026, the company is co-owned by businessman Moses Tembe and Sandile Zungu, owner of AmaZulu Football Club.

Tembe spoke publicly for the first time on Sunday, welcoming the minister’s decision. He reiterated that the heart of the National Lottery has always been about serving the most vulnerable South Africans. “Our vision is deeply rooted in this purpose,” he said.

Still, the transition hasn’t been smooth. The original High Court ruling that challenged Ithuba’s extension has cast a shadow over the process, prompting Tau to consider an appeal.

More Than Just a Game

This isn’t just a bureaucratic back-and-forth. The Lottery plays a vital role in funding charitable causes and community projects across the country. From education initiatives to healthcare funding, its impact ripples well beyond weekly draws.

What was nearly lost this weekend was more than just a business agreement — it was a national trust.

What Happens Next?

Minister Tau has hinted at further legal steps, but for now, the Lottery is safe. The weekend’s intervention bought time, stability, and continued operations. But the real test will come in 2026, when the torch is officially passed.

Will the transition be as smooth as promised? Will the public continue to feel confident in the system? Only time will tell.

For now, Lotto players can rest easy. The numbers will still roll. The jackpots will still soar. And the dream — that life-changing moment for millions — stays alive for another year.

But as the countdown to June 2026 begins, the spotlight is on everyone involved to deliver on their promises.

Ready to play your part in building a better South Africa?

Whether it’s buying a ticket or supporting local initiatives funded by the Lottery, every small action counts. Let’s keep the faith in systems that serve the people. Keep playing responsibly — and keep hoping.

{Sourced: IOL}

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