As the South African National Lottery undergoes a major transition, including a change in operators and ongoing legal battles, officials are reassuring players that it remains “business as usual” for ticket sales and prize payouts.
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition recently appointed Ithuba to continue managing the National Lottery for the next 12 months, after which Sizekhaya Holdings will take over. However, legal challenges surrounding the bidding process have raised concerns among players about the lottery’s operational status.
“No Need for Anxiety” – NLC Commissioner
National Lotteries Commission (NLC) Commissioner Jodi Scholtz addressed public concerns in a recent interview, emphasizing that the lottery remains fully functional.
“They shouldn’t be anxious,” Scholtz stated. “The National Lottery is a national asset, and the board and the minister have taken great care to ensure continuity.”
She confirmed that online platforms are operational and urged players who purchased physical tickets before June 1 to keep them safe, as prizes remain valid for 365 days.
Weekend Lotto Draws Unaffected
With millions of South Africans expected to participate in this weekend’s draws, Scholtz assured that regulatory teams are closely monitoring terminals and draws to ensure smooth operations.
“Our compliance division has been monitoring the terminals, and we can confirm it’s business as usual,” she said.
Legal Battles Continue
Despite the transition, the NLC is still entangled in legal disputes over the bidding process. Scholtz confirmed that the commission has appealed recent court judgments and remains confident in its position.
“We believe we have a strong case and want it heard,” she said, though she did not provide further details on the ongoing litigation.
What’s Next?
While Ithuba prepares to hand over operations to Sizekhaya Holdings in a year, players can expect no disruptions in ticket sales or prize payouts. The NLC has urged participants to stay informed through official channels.
As for this weekend’s jackpots? Scholtz joked, “I wish I had those numbers!” – but confirmed that details would be available on official platforms.
For now, the message is clear: The National Lottery is still open for business.