Parks Tau defends lotteries licence decision

TRADE, Industry and Commission Minister Parks Tau yesterday said he confidently discharged his responsibilities in awarding the fourth lotteries operator licence to Sizekhaya.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Briefing the portfolio committee, Tau said the process of appointing the national lotteries operator was designed to have multiple steps.

"This process ensures necessary checks and balances are in place for the appointment of the national lotteries operator," he said.

Tau also said when he took over as the minister last year, he had inherited a process of awarding the fourth national lotteries operator, after the licence of Ithuba Holdings was extended for two years.

"The request for proposals for the fourth operator was issued and eight applications were received. The evaluation committee was still undertaking its work of evaluation."

He noted that the bidding was highly competitive and involved well-resourced parties, and that the second and fourth operator licences were subjected to litigation.