Moses Tembe, the chairman of Sizekhaya, has firmly rejected widespread claims that the consortium secured the fourth national lottery licence through political connections and favouritism.
In a statement, Tembe said Sizekhaya’s successful bid was due solely to its industry expertise, financial capability, and commitment to transparency.
“We have noted with utter dismay the growing and unfounded speculation in various media platforms that Sizekhaya was awarded the fourth national lottery licence because of political patronage and professional connections,” Tembe said.
He added that the company’s credentials and vision for the lottery stood on their own merits.
“We have indicated previously that Sizekhaya won the right to operate the fourth national lottery licence because of the strength of our bid, the deep knowledge of gaming that we bring to the table, our pledge to propel the lottery to new heights by generating more money for the government, for good causes and for players, and our commitment to handing over the IP to the government to run the lottery themselves if they so desire.”
Recently, the Trade, Industry and Commission Minister Parks Tau said that he confidently discharged his responsibilities in awarding the fourth lotteries operator licence to Sizekhaya.
Briefing the portfolio committee, Tau explained that selecting the national lotteries operator involved a multi-stage process. “This process ensures necessary checks and balances are in place for the appointment of the national lotteries operator…The request for proposals for the fourth operator was issued and eight applications were received,” he said.
However, allegations of impropriety have intensified after it emerged that Advocate Khumo Bogatsu, who is married to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is a director and minor shareholder in Bellamont Gaming, a company with a stake in Sizekhaya.
The chairman claimed that no political figure had any involvement or benefit.
“Neither the Deputy President nor any other political entity or individual has a financial interest, direct or indirect in our bid,” Tembe added. “Neither Bellamont Gaming nor Sizekhaya ever discussed our bid with the Deputy President.”
Tembe also dismissed claims that he and businessman Sandile Zungu were dominant stakeholders, describing Sizekhaya as a broad-based consortium.
“The narrative that Mr Sandile Zungu and I are controlling shareholders is unfounded,” he said.
He went on to claim that Advocate Bogatsu had joined the venture purely because of her legal expertise, and her family connections had no bearing on the process.
Politics
