Announcement of new lottery licence operator postponed - once more
Announcement of new lottery licence operator postponed - once more
Blog Article
Parks Tau, the trade and marketplace minister, has postponed naming a profitable bidder to operate South Africa’s lottery in the event the tenure of current operator, Ithuba, finishes in May perhaps future 12 months.
Ithuba’s licence was owing to get expired in Might 2023 but was prolonged for two years by Tau’s predecessor Ebrahim Patel following a request by the then newly-appointed board on the Countrywide Lotteries Commission (NLC).
The Board, which was addressing the corruption that had overwhelmed the NLC, also suggested Patel of representations by Ithuba that it had been seriously afflicted by the Covid pandemic. This incorporated a ban about the sale of lottery tickets at the peak on the pandemic.
When it comes to the extension, Ithuba had to create contributions for the NLC for distribution to excellent triggers at a greater price than offered for in their First licence.
New licence operators are offered 6 months to build infrastructure, which include ticket devices countrywide, to take about from your previous operator prior to the incumbent’s licence finishes. This newest postponement signifies that there won't be sufficient time for the sleek transition and It truly is not likely that Tau will increase Ithuba’s licence again.
The process of appointing a whole new licence operator has also been tormented by allegations of conflict of fascination as well as other troubles.
GroundUp has uncovered the NLC has contingency plans in place to carry on funding very good brings about for as much as a year Should the lottery plus the sale of lottery tickets are suspended.
The contingency also covers funding during the function of litigation by getting rid of bidders whenever a new operator is at last announced, which could also derail The sleek jogging of the lottery.
In the event ticket gross sales are stopped, the NLC will use its reserves of R3.nine-billion to continue funding qualifying organisations, a source with knowledge of the contingency prepare instructed GroundUp.
In his weekend assertion asserting the postponement, Tau claimed: “Unfortunately, I'm not ready to create a ultimate final decision at this stage. Any this sort of selection at this time would in all superior conscience signify that I haven't applied my mind with owing consideration of the many pertinent things.”
“I have determined issues that demand further more evaluation. It could be inappropriate to reveal these issues now and their disclosure could really properly prejudice the appropriate adjudication of the awarding from the licence.”
Tau mentioned he was awaiting tips on The simplest way to ensure the continuation from the lottery inside the interim as well as the “advancement of a programme to finalise this method”.
This, he mentioned, should be done immediately after consultation with the Nationwide Treasury.”
Tau also hinted at the political makeup with the consortiums bidding for your licence as A further achievable cause for the postponement.
He stated: “I have to also ensure that the homeowners and supervisors of your effective applicants are, as being the Act states, ‘in good shape and proper folks’. Additionally, I must make sure that no political celebration or political Place of work-bearer has any direct economical fascination while in the applicant or possibly a shareholder from the applicant.”
Business Working day documented previously that most of the companies shortlisted with the tender are politically exposed.
The Gold Rush consortium is led by superior-profile businessperson Sandile Zungu, who challenged for your ANC KwaZulu-Natal chair posture in 2022 just before dropping out just after he failed to garner adequate assist, the paper claimed.
An additional politically connected bidder is HCI, that's the greater part-owned via the South African Outfits and Textile Personnel’ Union, an affiliate of Cosatu, which happens to be in alliance with the ANC. CEO Johnny Copelyn donated to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s CR17 marketing campaign to the ANC presidency.
Yet another shortlisted bidder, In accordance with Company Working day, is Thebe Expenditure Corporation, which was Launched by ANC leaders in 1992. Thebe is half-owned by Batho Batho Rely on. The believe in has donated R60-million into the ANC considering that 2021, Based on declarations manufactured to your electoral Fee.
Ithuba, the holder of the licence, is additionally while in the functioning, as is Umbulelo Consortium, led by Afrirent Holdings; and Giya Game titles, according to Company Working day.
Vivien Natasen consulted for Giya Game titles on its bid. GroundUp reported in 2022 that Natasen, throughสลาก กิน รัฐบาล his business Neo Remedies, contributed R2-million to the luxurious mansion of your then-NLC chair Aflred Nevhutanda — while his company Neo Solutions experienced a agreement Together with the NLC. Natasen advised GroundUp at that time that Neo Methods was “appointed from the NLC’s provide chain procedures, as and when expert services are essential”.