Bad news for Lotto enthusiasts and hopeful players across South Africa—next year could bring a serious dry spell for National Lottery games. Due to a heated dispute over the awarding of a new operator licence, the Lotto may be on hold for anywhere from six to twelve months. That’s right, Lotto lovers, your lucky numbers might have to wait a little longer before they can work their magic.
This delay, caused by alleged irregularities in the bidding process for the new operator licence, could bring the beloved Lotto games to a standstill in 2025. For a country that’s accustomed to a weekly shot at life-changing winnings, this could spell some serious frustration. But the real concern goes beyond just a Lotto-less few months—it could have a devastating impact on a host of organisations that rely on National Lottery grants to survive.
Charities, early childhood development (ECD) centres, old age homes, and community organisations—many of which are dependent on Lotto funds—could face closure if the games are paused. Similarly, sports and arts bodies, which count on these grants to continue operations, may also be hit hard.
Minister Parks Tau in the Hot Seat
At the heart of the turmoil is Parks Tau, the minister in charge of overseeing the National Lottery. The heat has been turned up on him after members of Parliament’s trade and industry portfolio committee urged him to fire the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) board and its commissioner, Thabang Mampane. Accusations of malfeasance and conflicts of interest are swirling, with the main sticking point being the selection of the next National Lottery operator.
Tau, faced with these allegations, has had to make some tough calls. He announced that the ongoing adjudication process for the new Lottery operator licence would be postponed to allow for a full investigation. The licence, which is awarded for eight years and worth a cool R80 billion, has attracted a lot of attention—both good and bad.
“I have taken a view,” Tau stated, “to allow the NLC board to complete its processes,” while also revealing that he had “appointed agents” to investigate the recommendations made about the licence award. The probe will delve into claims of corruption, with serious implications for those involved in the process.
What Happens Next for the SA Lottery?
According to a source quoted in City Press, the allegations of irregularities could bring about a significant disruption in 2025. “The Lottery in South Africa may come to an abrupt stop for about six to twelve months,” the source explained. A halt this drastic would not only affect hopeful Lotto players, but it would also bring one of the country’s favourite gambling pastimes to a screeching halt.
The delay comes after the minister postponed the announcement of the winning bidder, which was initially expected by the end of September. However, with the bidding process now tainted by accusations against board members and bidding companies, it looks like the outcome will be postponed even further.
What About the Current Operator, Ithuba?
Meanwhile, the current operator, Ithuba, is stuck in a tricky position. Their license was already extended by 18 months last year, and while some officials suggested another extension, it would reportedly be illegal. Ithuba’s current license is set to expire in May 2025, leaving little time to establish the necessary infrastructure for the next operator—whoever that may be.
For a new operator to hit the ground running, they would need at least six months to get ticket machines and technical systems in place across the country. Unfortunately, with the ongoing investigations and the likelihood of further delays, it seems unlikely that the timeline will hold.
For South Africans who look forward to their weekly shot at the jackpot, the possibility of a Lotto freeze is a big disappointment. But the stakes are higher than just the lottery itself—it’s about the countless organizations and people who depend on those much-needed Lotto grants to keep going. The outcome of this licence battle will not only determine who runs the show but also whether or not the Lotto returns in time to keep those crucial grants flowing.
