The controversy surrounding the national lottery license contract continues to ferment within the South African National Assembly, with opposition members collectively rejecting the budget proposal submitted by Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau, criticizing the opacity and corruption behind the budget.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and BOSA, among other opposition parties, accuse the lottery contract award process of severe interest transmission. The process by which the Sizekhaya consortium obtained the new lottery operator qualification is questioned for nepotism, especially since its shareholders Sandile Zungun and Moses Tembe are reported to have close relationships with government officials.
The investigative agency amaBhungane reveals that one of the shareholders of Sizekhaya, co-owner of Bellamont Gaming, is related to the twin sister of the wife of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, casting doubt on the fairness of the contract award. The opposition vehemently criticizes the "conflict of interest" and "corrupt dealings."
During the budget debate, EFF member Chumani Matiwane stated that the DTIC has become a "money tree" for the ruling party to seize funds, emphasizing that under normal circumstances, members only focus on the budget, but the current situation does not support such a budget proposal. National Freedom Party member Edward Nsingila also criticized the budget for not addressing South Africa's urgent social issues, instead exacerbating poverty and exclusion, and hindering true transformation.
Facing the accusations, the involved parties, Tembe and Paul Mashatile, both publicly deny any wrongdoing, but the controversy still causes a strong reaction in the political arena. This budget rejection marks a new round of intense political wrestling over the South African lottery contract issue.
