A new investigation by the Amabhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism has revealed that close allies of Deputy President Paul Mashatile stand to benefit from South Africa’s lucrative national lottery license, recently awarded to Sizakaya Holdings in a deal worth an estimated R180 billion.
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), under Minister Ebrahim Patel, selected Sizakaya to operate the lottery for the next eight years. However, Amabhungane reports that one of Sizakaya’s shareholders, Bellamont Gaming, is partly owned by Khumo Bogatsu—the twin sister of Mashatile’s wife, Humile Bogatsu.
Political and Business Ties Under Scrutiny
Investigative journalist Azarrah Karrim detailed how Bellamont Gaming is directed by politically connected businessman Moses Tembe and Khumo Bogatsu. Mashatile and Tbebe have been described as “close associates,” with sources confirming that the deputy president frequently visited Tembe’s home in Luthuli Kulu last year, accompanied by his presidential protection unit.
Tembe was also photographed with Mashatile at public events, including a memorial service for ANC members killed in a bus crash. Most notably, Tembe accompanied Mashatile on his controversial trip to France, which drew criticism over excessive travel expenses.
Conflict of Interest Concerns
While Mashatile’s office has denied any involvement in the lottery tender process, questions remain about potential conflicts of interest. The Lotteries Act prohibits direct political financial interests, but critics argue that the minister failed to assess indirect financial interests—such as those of Mashatile’s relatives—when awarding the bid.
A losing bidder has already taken legal action, demanding that Patel disclose the reasons for selecting Sizakaya. According to court documents seen by the Sunday Times, the bidder alleges that the minister neglected to properly evaluate indirect financial interests linked to the deal.
Calls for Transparency
Karrim emphasized the need for transparency, noting that the National Lottery Commission and the DTIC have been evasive in responding to inquiries. Amabhungane has filed a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request to obtain shareholding details, but the process has been stalled.
“It’s time for the minister to be absolutely transparent,” Karrim said. “Given the scale of this tender and the red flags raised, the public deserves clarity on who truly stands to benefit.”
As legal challenges mount, the controversy threatens to cast a shadow over one of South Africa’s largest-ever tenders—and the political connections behind it.