Relax operators say historic lotto winnings will be paid

Operators move to reassure players

In communications seen by The Citizen, the new National Lottery operator, Sizekhaya, told retailers that prize administration information relating to tickets purchased prior to 1 June 2026 is being transferred from the previous operator to Sizekhaya. According to The Citizen, Sizekhaya said in that letter that players with winning tickets purchased before 1 June 2026 “will be able to claim their prizes from 4 June 2026.”

Data transfer problems slow validation

Sizekhaya confirmed to The Citizen that data files were received, but cautioned that

“receipt of files does not mean that all the information required for prize validation was complete, correct or usable.”

Sizekhaya told The Citizen that testing identified abnormal records, including missing draw data, incomplete information and payment-status discrepancies. The company said these records need clarification and are contributing to delays in the validation process.

Ithuba says delays are not its responsibility

The Citizen reports that Ithuba told The Citizen that delays in prize payments cannot be attributed to them. Ithuba said that

“All required data relating to historical winnings was submitted to the regulator and the new operator, Sizekhaya, on 1 June 2026.”

Ithuba added, again to The Citizen, that

“We are confident that all transition requirements within our scope were completed in full and in accordance with the prescribed processes.”

What winners need to know

Sizekhaya told its retail partners, as seen by The Citizen, that the uploading and testing validation process for the received ticket data is ongoing and is expected to conclude soon. The company asked the National Lotteries Commission to help facilitate urgent resolution with the previous operator.

The Citizen also reports that Sizekhaya said players with valid winning tickets purchased before 1 June 2026 will be able to claim their prizes from 4 June 2026, and that should there be any unforeseen delays further communication will be issued.

All winning tickets remain valid under National Lottery rules, and tickets expire one year after the date of the initial draw, The Citizen notes.

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