Sizekhaya Holdings denies allegations of impropriety, political links

SIZEKHAYA Holdings has dismissed allegations of impropriety and political influence that have surfaced after it was awarded the licence to operate the national lottery.

- THAMI MAGUBANE [e-mail]

The consortium said that the allegation that it was awarded the licence due to political connections was baseless.

Prominent KwaZulu-Natal business-people Moses Tembe and Sandile Zungu are among the shareholders in Sizekhaya Holdings, which was recently awarded a licence to operate the national lottery.

But this award has now been mired in allegations of political connections after it emerged that Deputy President Paul Mashatil’s sister-in-law, Advocate Khumo Bogatsu, is linked to the company.

Parties in Parliament have written to the minister regarding the matter, demanding an investigation.

A statement issued by Tembe, who is chairman of Sizekhaya Holdings, asserted that the consortium won the licence based on the strength of its bid, its deep knowledge of gaming, and its pledge to elevate the lottery by generating more funds for the government, good causes, and players.

“Sizekhaya is not guilty of any impropriety. Neither the Deputy President nor any other political entity or individual has a financial interest - direct or indirect - in our bid.”