KwaZulu-Natal business titans Moses Tembe and Sandile Zungu have struck gold—literally. Their consortium, Sizekhaya Holdings, has been awarded the lucrative National Lottery licence, a deal worth an estimated R180 billion over eight years. This seismic shift ends Ithuba Holdings’ decade-long tenure as the country’s lottery operator.
The announcement, made by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, has not only reshaped South Africa’s lottery future but also sparked political and legal fires.
A Winning Ticket in a Fierce Race
Emerging from a competitive field of eight bidding consortia, Sizekhaya Holdings clinched the contract with a well-backed proposal. Their bid is significantly strengthened by a 50% stake from the JSE-listed Goldrush Group’s subsidiary, a major player in the local gaming sector.
Sizekhaya has also partnered with Genlot, a Chinese tech powerhouse controlling 19% of the global lottery market. This alliance is designed to ensure a technologically robust and seamless transition when the new licence kicks off in June 2026.
To bridge the transition, Ithuba will continue operating under a temporary one-year licence from June 2025 to May 2026—but not without drama.
Political Heat and Legal Headwinds
The announcement has not been free from controversy. Political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Build One South Africa (BOSA), have raised red flags over the transparency of the awarding process. Critics point to Sandile Zungu’s ties to the ANC, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and favouritism.
Adding to the tension, Minister Tau is preparing to challenge a High Court ruling related to the temporary licensing process—signalling that the road to Sizekhaya’s takeover might be legally turbulent.
Eyes on the Future
With immense financial stakes and national expectations, Tembe and Zungu now face the daunting task of proving that Sizekhaya Holdings can deliver on its promises. The consortium must navigate not only logistical complexities but also public scrutiny and political skepticism.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, South Africans are left wondering: will this new chapter in the National Lottery’s history be a winning ticket for the nation—or just another gamble?
