The Pretoria High Court has dismissed the National Lotteries Commission (NLC)’s bid to appoint Ithuba Lottery as a temporary operator for 12 months.
The ruling could potentially leave the country without a lottery operator as Ithuba’s licence expires on 31 May.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has welcomed the ruling, saying the preferential treatment of Ithuba was unlawful.
Ithuba Lottery
On 21 May, the Pretoria High Court declared unconstitutional a move by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition to issue a temporary lottery licence.
The order of invalidity was suspended for five months.
On 26 May, the National Lotteries Commission made a court application seeking to extend the period from five to 12 months.
In its court papers, the commission said that Ithuba would not agree to operate a temporary licence for five months as it would not be profitable.
It added that a new lottery operator, Sizekhaya Holdings, had been announced and it required a transition period of at least nine months.
In his ruling, Judge Omphemetse Mooki said that he was unconvinced by the arguments of the commission.
He said that the sky would not fall should Ithuba refuse to sign a temporary licence agreement.
In other news – Radio presenter Unathi Nkayi celebrates daughter’s 14th birthday – PICS
Well-known South African singer and radio host, Unathi Nkayi is celebrating a special milestone in her daughter’s life as she turns 14.
The proud mom took to social media to mark the occasion, sharing a series of photos, though she kept her daughter’s face hidden from the camera. In a deeply emotional message, Unathi opened up about the significance of the day and how it’s the first time they’re spending her birthday apart. Read More
