ITHUBA has categorically rejected allegations that it delayed payments for winning tickets during its time as the National Lottery operator. The entity described the reports as “factually incorrect”, stating that all required operational information had been submitted to enable prize payments.

This response follows reports that players experienced difficulties claiming winnings for the weekend of 29 to 31 May. Those prizes are now expected to be processed by Sizekhaya following the transition, due to claims that records were missing from ITHUBA.

However, ITHUBA says these allegations are false and misleading, asserting that it fully complied with all regulatory requirements during the service transition. According to ITHUBA, on 1 June 2026, it provided all necessary operational data and records to both the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) and Sizekhaya, in line with the agreed transition process.

The company added that receipt of the records—containing information on winning tickets pending payment—was acknowledged by both parties. “We have submitted all required information on the agreed date, in the agreed format, and through the correct channels,” ITHUBA said in a statement. ITHUBA further noted that Sizekhaya publicly confirmed it would begin processing prize payments from 4 June 2026.

The company argued that this undermines claims that any delays were caused by missing or unavailable information. Notably, ITHUBA said allegations about data issues emerged publicly on the same day payments were scheduled to start, despite it having submitted the relevant information on 1 June 2026.

The company suggested that the situation points to operational challenges on the side of the new operator rather than any lapse by ITHUBA. Throughout the transition, ITHUBA maintained that it complied with regulations overseen by the National Lotteries Commission and said it prioritized the interests of National Lottery participants.

Reports also claim that some users experienced disruptions during the switch, including a greyed-out Lotto section on their apps or notifications informing them that banking services had moved from the previous operator to Sizekhaya, the new provider of Lotto services. “During this time, Lotto purchases and related services may be temporarily unavailable,” the notice reportedly told affected bank users.