for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Sizekhaya Holdings has hit back at accusations claiming that the consortium’s recent award of the national lottery license was influenced by political connections. The company firmly dismissed these allegations as unfounded, asserting that their selection came from the strength of their proposal and their extensive expertise in the gaming sector.
Moses Tembe, the chairman of Sizekhaya Holdings, emphasized that the process leading to their selection was transparent and involved no political interference. He pointed out that neither Deputy President Paul Mashatile nor any other political figure held any financial stake in their bid.
The controversy arose after it was revealed that Mashatile’s sister-in-law, Advocate Khumo Bogatsu, is associated with Sizekhaya, leading to suspicions about potential favoritism.
Tembe clarified that such connections did not influence the bidding process. He stated that the consortium’s focus was on enhancing the lottery’s contributions to the government and benefiting good causes and players. He also noted that Bellamont Gaming, a company co-owned by him and Bogatsu, had no discussions regarding the lottery bid with Mashatile.
“We are of the view that it is in the public interest to state that Bellamont Gaming, in which Adv Khumo Bogatsu and I are directors, hold one of the smallest stakes, totalling 7 per cent, in Sizekhaya. Adv Bogatsu owns 2 per cent, and Bellamont Investments owns 5 per cent,” Tembe stated.
“I invited Adv Bogatsu on the strength of her qualifications and much-needed experience required to navigate the legal complexities of the industry to join me in taking a stake in Sizekhaya. This led to the formation of Bellamont Gaming, as a subsidiary of Bellamont Investments, which has been in business for years.”
The chairman’s remarks come as various political parties in Parliament have called for an investigation into the matter. The Minister of Trade and Industry has already announced that it would be investigating the claims.
Sizekhaya Welcomes Investigation
Moses Tembe expressed that despite Advocate Khumo Bogatsu’s familial ties to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, she has every right to pursue legitimate business opportunities. He also made it clear that the company welcomes any investigation aimed at clarifying its operations and contributions to the national lottery.
“We, therefore, welcome the Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Parks Tau’s commitment to investigate any perceived conflicts as Sizekhaya has done absolutely nothing wrong,” Tembe added.
Addressing further allegations about his connection to Mashatile, Tembe clarified that his recent trip to France was at the invitation of South Africa’s ambassador, Nathi Mthethwa, and that he attended as a business leader. He pointed out that many other South African business figures, including shareholders from competing companies and lottery bidders, were also present, reaffirming the legitimacy of his participation.
Source: FocusNGN
