Build One South Africa (BOSA) notes with concern today’s announcement by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, awarding the national lottery licence to Sizekhaya Holdings, a consortium in which Goldrush, owned by ANC-connected businessman Sandile Zungu, is the majority shareholder.
This decision raises serious red flags about the integrity of the procurement process and further entrenches the public perception that ANC-linked individuals continue to benefit from state contracts.The awarding of such a significant license to individuals with direct political ties demands public scrutiny and accountability.
“The public has a right to know how this critical national decision was made, and whether the process was fair, impartial, and free from political interference”, said BOSA Deputy Leader, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP.
We therefore reiterate our urgent call to Minister Parks Tau to:
- Publish the full list of adjudicators and consultants who were involved in the evaluation and decision-making process for the lottery licence tender;
- Disclose any declarations of interest made by these individuals to determine whether any had personal, financial or political links to the bidders;
- Table a full report to Parliament detailing the evaluation criteria, scoring system, and outcomes for all submitted bids.
South Africans deserve a transparent, accountable government that awards public contracts based on merit and the public good. Party connections or insider deals cannot be the order of the day.
We will be submitting a formal request in Parliament to compel the Minister to answer to these demands, and we will not rest until the full truth behind this decision is laid bare.
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551