Sizekhaya will take over the operating licence for the South African National Lottery from the incumbent operator, Ithuba, in June 2026 [1].
The transition marks a significant shift in the management of the state-sanctioned gambling system. The move aims to modernize the lottery infrastructure and restore public trust through enhanced transparency and a new operational era [1, 2].
Ithuba has managed the lottery for 11 years [1]. The company began its operations in 2015 [1]. While the original licence was set for eight years and scheduled to end in 2023 [1], the tenure was extended on an annual basis following that date [1].
The handover to Sizekhaya comes as the government seeks to update the system. The new operator has promised a modern approach to the lottery's administration to ensure the process remains open to the public [2].
This change ends a decade-long period of stability under a single provider. The transition process will involve shifting the administrative and technical responsibilities of the National Lottery to the Sizekhaya team before the June 2026 deadline [1, 2].
“Sizekhaya will take over the operating licence for the South African National Lottery”
The shift from Ithuba to Sizekhaya represents a strategic attempt by the South African government to refresh the lottery's image and operational efficiency. By replacing a long-term incumbent that operated under annual extensions, the state is prioritizing systemic modernization and transparency to mitigate public skepticism regarding the management of lottery funds and prizes.
