South Africa’s deputy president rejects lottery licence allegations in Parliament
Mashatile said critics were unfairly assuming wrongdoing simply because black businesspeople had become wealthy.
South Africa.- South Africa’s deputy president Paul Mashatile has denied allegations that associates connected to him exploited political influence to benefit from the country’s fourth national lottery licence tender, valued at R180bn (€9.1bn).
The issue resurfaced during a parliamentary question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, where opposition lawmakers questioned Mashatile over reported links between individuals close to him and Sizekhaya Holdings, the consortium selected to operate South Africa’s next national lottery licence.
The licence was awarded by trade, industry and competition minister Parks Tau after a lengthy bidding process involving eight applicants.
Build One South Africa MP Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster questioned whether Mashatile or anyone linked to his office had influence over the process. She referenced Section 96 of South Africa’s constitution, which bars cabinet members from exposing themselves to conflicts between official duties and private interests.
Mashatile said Tau had already postponed the licence process to enable an investigation into concerns raised about the tender. He told Parliament, “So you don’t need another investigation,” noting that the review had been ongoing for almost a year.
He also defended his relationships with business figures linked to the consortium, stating that many were long-time associates from before they entered business.
The controversy centres on reported links between Mashatile’s family and Bellamont Gaming, one of the companies associated with the Sizekhaya consortium. Bellamont Gaming is reportedly co-owned by Khumo Bogatsu, the twin sister of Mashatile’s wife, alongside businessman Moses Tembe, who chairs the consortium.
According to reports, Bellamont Gaming was registered in December 2023, months before Sizekhaya submitted its bid for the licence.
Democratic Alliance MP Baxolile Nodada later challenged Mashatile during supplementary questions, arguing that the issue was not about friendships but about possible ethical concerns surrounding politically connected business dealings.
Mashatile rejected the claims, saying critics were unfairly assuming wrongdoing simply because black businesspeople had become wealthy. He told Parliament that anyone with evidence of corruption involving him, his associates, or relatives should report the matter to law enforcement authorities.
The development comes as Sizekhaya prepares to take control of the national lottery in June 2026. It will replace outgoing operator Ithuba Holdings, which has managed the national lottery since 2015.
