Moses Tembe, chairman of Sizekhaya, has firmly rejected claims that the consortium obtained the fourth national lottery license through political connections and favoritism.
In a statement, Tembe emphasized that Sizekhaya’s successful bid was based solely on its industry expertise, financial capability, and commitment to transparency.
“We are dismayed by the unfounded speculation in various media that Sizekhaya was awarded the fourth national lottery license due to political patronage,” Tembe stated. He insisted that the company’s credentials and vision for the lottery stand on their own merits.
Tembe explained that Sizekhaya won the right to operate the license due to the strength of their bid, their deep knowledge of gaming, and their promise to enhance the lottery to generate more revenue for the government, good causes, and players. He also mentioned their commitment to handing over the intellectual property to the government, should they choose to run the lottery themselves.
Recently, Trade, Industry and Commission Minister Parks Tau expressed confidence in his decision to award the license to Sizekhaya. In a briefing to the portfolio committee, Tau outlined that the selection process for the national lotteries’ operator involved multiple stages to ensure necessary checks and balances. “The request for proposals for the fourth operator was issued, and eight applications were received,” he explained.
Allegations of impropriety have intensified following reports that Advocate Khumo Bogatsu, married to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is a director and minor shareholder in Bellamont Gaming, which has a stake in Sizekhaya.
Tembe asserted that no political figure had any involvement or benefit from their bid. “Neither the Deputy President nor any political entity has a financial interest, direct or indirect, in our bid,” he said. “Neither Bellamont Gaming nor Sizekhaya ever discussed our bid with the Deputy President.”
He also dismissed claims that he and businessman Sandile Zungu are dominant stakeholders, describing Sizekhaya as a broad-based consortium. “The narrative that Mr. Sandile Zungu and I are controlling shareholders is unfounded,” he stated. Tembe added that Advocate Bogatsu joined the venture solely for her legal expertise and that her family connections played no role in the process.
