Ithuba Lottery has filed an urgent application to delay the implementation of the national lottery’s fourth license awarded to Sizekhaya. This legal action challenges the entire award process, alleging serious irregularities and conflicts of interest that compromise the integrity of the selection criteria.
The application, submitted to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, accuses Minister Parks Tau of neglecting key scoring criteria in favor of Sizekhaya and of engaging in negotiations with the company before the bidding process was complete.
Ithuba claims that media reports suggesting political connections between Sizekhaya and influential figures were not adequately investigated during the bidding, raising concerns about the fairness of the process.
As a sister company to Ithuba Holdings, Ithuba Lottery argues that Minister Tau failed to conduct thorough due diligence in the awarding process. They assert that his rationale for granting the license disregards the fundamental requirements set for prospective bidders. Their statement criticizes the minister’s decision, suggesting it reflects a lack of investigation into Sizekhaya’s alleged political affiliations, which could jeopardize the integrity of the national lottery system.
This legal challenge is not unique; it parallels a similar application filed by Lekalinga, another unsuccessful bidder. The urgent application is scheduled to be heard on October 7.
