Lotto contestants in a hurry for the jackpot: according to Jeandré Piké
In South Africa, a heated debate has arisen surrounding the awarding of the national lottery licence to Goldrush Holdings. Critics argue that the process lacks transparency and a clear-eyed look at the company's corporate behavior.
Goldrush Holdings, a private company, is at the centre of the controversy, as it forms part of a consortium, Sizekhaya Holdings, which was controversially awarded the licence in 2025. Sizekhaya Holdings includes Bellamont Gaming, co-owned by Khumo Bogatsu and Moses Tembe. Khumo Bogatsu, the twin sister of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s wife, has sparked allegations of nepotism and political influence in the awarding of the licence.
The licensing process culminated on May 28, 2025, with Sizekhaya being announced the winner, edging out seven other bidders amid claims of irregularities, delays, and political interference. The lottery, a lucrative public contract expected to fund social programs and benefit vulnerable populations, has instead become a vehicle for enriching political insiders and their families. Sizekhaya and Bellamont Gaming have defended their compliance with gaming regulations and denied any wrongdoing in the licence award.
Deputy President Mashatile has publicly responded to the nepotism allegations, and Minister Parks Tau—who announced the contract—expressed confidence in the decision-making process but promised to investigate claims of undue influence. Opposition voices characterize the licence award as emblematic of the African National Congress (ANC) consolidating power by placing affiliates and relatives in profitable state-linked ventures, furthering concerns about governance and corruption.
The awarding of the national lottery licence to Goldrush Holdings has raised questions about government accountability and decision-making processes. There are calls for a thorough investigation into the awarding of the licence, as the situation raises ongoing questions about corporate governance, transparency, and political patronage in South Africa’s state contracting processes.
References:
- The Citizen
- Mail & Guardian
- The controversy surrounding the awarding of the national lottery licence to Goldrush Holdings in 2025 has led to discussions about the intertwining of business and politics, as the company is part of Sizekhaya Holdings, which includes Bellamont Gaming – a casino-gaming venture.
- This licence deal, initially intended to generate revenue for social welfare and aid vulnerable populations, has now been criticized for being a channel for finance and investing opportunities for political insiders and their associates, like Khumo Bogatsu.
- Amidst allegations of nepotism, political influence, irregularities, delays, and potential corruption in the process, there's a growing demand for the South African government to investigate the situation and ensure that corporate governance, transparency, and ethical investing practices in casino-games, lotteries, and other state-linked businesses are upheld.
