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Businessman Sandile Zungu says preparations are in full swing for Sizekhaya Holdings to take over South Africa national lottery, insisting that nothing will derail the June 1 launch date.
Zungu made the remarks during an interview on the podcast In the Know with Sowetan editor Sibongakonke Shoba, where he outlined plans for the consortium transition into one of the country most closely watched gaming contracts.
Sizekhaya, led by Zungu and fellow businessman Moses Tembe, was named the preferred bidder last May for the eight year licence to operate the national lottery. The award followed a competitive bidding process but was later clouded by controversy after investigative publication amaBhungane reported alleged links between the consortium and Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Zungu dismissed concerns about delays, saying operational groundwork is already underway. He said offices have been identified, staff recruitment is progressing and marketing campaigns are being refined ahead of the switchover. Retailers are also being signed to distribute lottery products once the licence becomes active.
According to Zungu, the consortium is focused on ensuring that systems and personnel are ready before the June 1 transition. He expressed optimism that the new operator would energise the gaming market while increasing revenue for social development programmes funded through lottery proceeds.
The national lottery distributes funds to community initiatives through a designated agency, and Zungu said growing gaming revenue could translate into broader benefits for local communities. He also emphasised that the lottery remains a game of chance, distancing himself from speculation around outcomes or number selection.
The transition follows a recent High Court decision in Pretoria dismissing an application by Ithuba Lottery to block the award of the fourth national lottery licence to Sizekhaya pending the outcome of a review process.
Ithuba, which has operated the lottery since June 2015, was granted a 12 month temporary licence running from June 1 2025 to May 31 2026. Sizekhaya is expected to assume full control immediately after that period expires.
With four months remaining before the handover, Zungu said the consortium remains confident that it will meet all regulatory and operational requirements ahead of launch.
