Sizekhaya Holdings assumed management of the South African National Lottery on 1 June 2026 under an eight-year agreement valued at approximately R180 billion ($10.9 billion). The transition replaces Ithuba Holdings after an eleven-year operational period and coincides with pending High Court litigation.
Operational Transition and Fund Distribution
The new operator launched with R130 million in jackpot prizes, restored live televised draws on e.tv, and deployed more than 5,500 retail terminals nationwide. The eighth license issued under the Lotteries Act 57 of 1997 directs 34% of revenue to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, which supports charitable, sporting, artistic, and community infrastructure projects.Consortium Structure and Legal Review
Sizekhaya’s ownership group includes chair Moses Tembe, AmaZulu FC owner Sandile Zungu, Goldrush Holdings (40%), the state-backed National Empowerment Fund (20%), and Bellamont Gaming (approximately 7%). Bellamont is co-directed by Tembe and Khumo Bogatsu, whose sister is married to Deputy President Paul Mashatile. amaBhungane documentation shows Bellamont Gaming incorporated in December 2023 and Sizekhaya formed shortly before the 3 February 2024 bid deadline. Opposition parties have raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, while the High Court hearing on the license award remains scheduled for later this year. The lottery platform operates on Genlot technology, developed by the Shenzhen-based provider that manages China’s national lottery.Since the lottery’s establishment in 2000, the distribution fund has allocated over R31 billion to public causes. Ithuba contributed R1.83 billion to the trust during the 2024 financial year, generating R7.28 billion in ticket sales.