Build One South Africa (BOSA) notes that, as of today, Wednesday, 28 May 2025, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau is obliged to announce a new company to operate the National Lottery, following a ruling by the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg.
The court rejected Minister Tau’s unlawful attempt to extend Ithuba Holdings’ contract under a temporary licence until May 31, 2026, a move that lacked both transparency and legal standing in the eyes of the law.
In response, BOSA calls for:
- The immediate cancellation and full restart of the current process to appoint a new National Lottery operator; and
- A demand that any interim or temporary licensing arrangement be open, transparent, and subject to appropriate public and parliamentary oversight.
The National Lottery is a public institution that plays a vital role in supporting social development and community upliftment across South Africa. Any effort to bypass due process or manipulate licensing decisions undermines the integrity of the institution and erodes public trust.
“The court has spoken. The Minister must now act lawfully and transparently,” said BOSA Deputy Leader, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP. “South Africans deserve to know that the National Lottery is being run in the public interest, and not behind closed doors for private benefit.”
BOSA will continue to use all available parliamentary and public platforms to hold the Minister and the National Lotteries Commission accountable and to ensure the appointment process meets the highest standards of integrity.
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551