NLC welcomes start of Sizekhaya’s National Lottery tenure
The NLC said it will work with Sizekhaya to ensure continuity.
South Africa.- The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has welcomed Sizekhaya Holdings as the fourth operator of South Africa’s National Lottery and Sports Pools, effective June 1.
In a statement, the NLC said the transition marks a new phase for the lottery, which remains a key public asset supporting both prize payouts and social development through the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund.
The transition follows a licensing process concluded in 2025, during which the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition selected Sizekhaya to operate the lottery under a new licence. The company assumed control of operations this week after a 12-month interim period during which Ithuba Holdings continued running the lottery under a temporary arrangement.
NLC Board chairperson Professor Barney Pityana said the lottery continues to play a central role in nation-building, noting that more than R30bn has been distributed to charitable causes, sport, arts, culture, heritage and community development since its inception.
Sizekhaya has previously outlined plans to increase the availability of lottery products across additional retail outlets and digital platforms, alongside operational upgrades designed to improve the customer experience.
Pityana welcomed Sizekhaya’s vision for the lottery, which includes expanding access, upgrading technology and strengthening the customer experience, saying these changes could boost participation and increase funding for social projects.
The NLC said it will work with Sizekhaya to ensure continuity and support the lottery’s contribution to South Africa’s social and economic development.
