Sizekhaya resumes prize claims for pre-June National Lottery winning tickets after record verification
Players holding winning National Lottery tickets purchased before Sizekhaya’s June 1 takeover can once again submit prize claims following the completion of a historic records reconciliation process.
South Africa.- South Africa’s National Lottery operator Sizekhaya has announced that prize claims for winning tickets purchased before its June 1 takeover from Ithuba can now proceed following the verification of historical records inherited during the transition
The operator has completed the validation and reconciliation of historic National Lottery and Sports Pools prize administration records relating to tickets purchased before June 1 2026, according to a statement issued by Sizekhaya Holdings on June 10 and reported by IOL. As a result, affected players can once again claim prizes through the applicable National Lottery procedures.
The announcement follows the transfer and verification of prize administration records linked to tickets purchased before the operator handover. Sizekhaya said the timing of the transfer process was outside its control but that it prioritised the validation and reconciliation of the information once it was received in order to protect players and maintain the integrity of prize payments.
Jodi Scholtz, National Lotteries Commission (NLC) commissioner, said: “The National Lotteries Commission welcomes the successful completion of the validation and reconciliation process relating to historic prize administration data. This milestone provides certainty for players and helps ensure that legitimate prize claims can now be processed and paid in accordance with established regulatory and governance requirements.”
Scholtz reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the lottery system. She added: “The Commission remains committed to protecting the interests of National Lottery and Sports Pools participants and supports all measures that promote transparency, accountability and public trust in the administration of the National Lottery.”
Verification unlocks prize payments
Fundi Sithebe, Sizekhaya chief operating officer, said the completion of the exercise was an important step in ensuring continuity throughout the transition period. “Completing the validation and reconciliation of historical prize administration data enables us to honour legitimate prize claims while maintaining the rigorous verification standards that South Africans expect from the National Lottery,” she said.
Sithebe added: “We recognise that many players have been waiting for certainty regarding tickets purchased before June 1 2026. Sizekhaya is pleased to announce that claims processing and prize payments can now proceed. This outcome reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability and putting players first.”
While most claims are expected to be processed through standard procedures, Sizekhaya noted that a limited number of tickets remain subject to additional verification requirements. Players whose tickets cannot be immediately validated have been advised to contact the National Lottery Call Centre, where claims will be reviewed and verified through established claims verification procedures.
The development comes as Sizekhaya continues its broader rollout plans, which include expanding lottery access through banking platforms, retail outlets and handheld devices, alongside larger jackpots and more frequent rollovers.
According to Sizekhaya, these measures form part of the National Lottery’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all prizes are paid accurately and to their rightful winners. Sizekhaya also thanked players, retailers and stakeholders for their patience and understanding during the transition period.
