Tau defends Sizekhaya's lottery operator licence award

TRADE, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said yesterday he discharged his responsibilities to the best of his abilities when dealing with the application process for the award of the fourth lottery operator licence.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

The licence was awarded to Sizekhaya Holdings. Briefing the portfolio committee, Tau said the process of appointing the national lottery operator was designed to have multiple steps.

"This process ensures necessary checks and balances are in place for the appointment of the national lottery 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.

"There is no doubt my every word here today is going to be scrutinised for some hook a party can base on for a legal challenge to the process." Tau further said as a minister entrusted with the responsibility of the National Lotteries Commission and, by extension, the licensing process, it was incumbent on his office to ensure the process ticked all boxes and there was fairness in the adjudication process.