Ithuba defends integrity of South Africa's National Lottery licence process

According to a report by IOL, Ithuba Holdings has stepped forward to dispel several misconceptions surrounding the ongoing South African National Lottery Licence process, ahead of the awarding of the Fourth National Lottery licence.

As the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition prepares to oversee the final stages of the licensing process, Ithuba has issued a detailed statement aimed at clarifying key issues that it believes could otherwise damage public confidence in the integrity of the lottery system.

Charmaine Mabuza, CEO of Ithuba Holdings, highlighted four main areas of concern that have been widely misunderstood. The first involves the eligibility of Ithuba to apply for the new licence. Contrary to public belief, Ithuba Lottery — a legally distinct entity that shares directors with Ithuba Holdings — was fully eligible to bid for the Fourth Licence. The company maintains that there are no legal irregularities in its application.

Secondly, Ithuba addressed the awarding of a Temporary Licence by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. The Minister, in consultation with the National Lotteries Commission and guided by court rulings, granted the licence to ensure uninterrupted operations and the continued disbursement of funds to charitable causes during the transition period. This move, according to the Minister, was in the public interest.

Ithuba also rejected any allegations of favouritism, reiterating the Minister’s statement that the conditions under which the Temporary Licence was awarded were standard within the specialised context of lottery operations.

Lastly, the company clarified that discussions with the Minister were essential to finding a workable solution that would allow the lottery system to continue functioning. These conversations led to a mutually agreed-upon compromise to maintain ticket sales and operational continuity.

Ithuba expressed concern that misinformation and unfounded speculation could harm public trust in the lottery system, which plays a crucial role in funding projects that benefit disadvantaged communities across South Africa. The company emphasized that its communication is not intended to suppress public debate, but to encourage a factual, transparent discourse.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and social impact, Ithuba underlined the vital role the lottery plays in uplifting communities through funding for good causes, including sports, infrastructure, culture, and charities.