KZN titans Moses Tembe & Sandile Zungu win R180bn Lottery deal

In a landmark development for South Africa’s gaming and development sectors, KwaZulu-Natal powerhouses Moses Tembe and Sandile Zungu have emerged as the victors of the R180 billion National Lottery tender. Their consortium, Sizekhaya Holdings, will now serve as the official lottery operator for the next eight years, replacing Ithuba.

The announcement was made by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau on Wednesday following a court-mandated deadline and months of evaluation and negotiation.

Tembe, an established figure in the province’s business ecosystem and co-chair of the KZN Growth Coalition, is joined by Sandile Zungu, owner of AmaZulu Football Club and an influential voice in both the business and political arenas.

“As chairman of Sizekhaya, I can confirm that we will use this opportunity to generate jobs and stimulate the economy. We’re bringing in best in class technology never seen in our country,” said Moses Tembe, adding the lottery under their leadership would be “bigger, better and exciting.”

Court ruling and legal fallout

The announcement followed a judgment by Gauteng High Court Judge Sulet Potterill, who declared the issuance of a temporary licence unconstitutional. The order was suspended for five months to prevent any disruption to ticket sales. Minister Tau acknowledged the controversy:

“I am seeking legal advice to appeal against the judgment’s findings and orders, and I reserve all my rights concerning this judgment.”

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Consortium and criticism

Sizekhaya Holdings, supported by part-owner Goldrush Group, was selected over seven other bidders in what the Minister described as a “difficult” and rigorous process. Despite this, opposition parties have cried foul.

The EFF denounced the move as “state capture,” claiming the deal benefits ANC cronies.

“Minister Tau’s refusal to listen, refusal to appear before Parliament, and decision to proceed with this appointment anyway represents a complete betrayal of his constitutional responsibilities,”
said the party.

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Build One South Africa (BOSA) has demanded full transparency, calling for the release of adjudicators’ names and all procurement documentation.

“The public has a right to know how this critical national decision was made,”
said BOSA Deputy Leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster.

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The Democratic Alliance has promised to scrutinise the deal and ensure the new operator is held accountable.

Public spotlight on Tembe and Zungu

While both Tembe and Zungu are well-established, Moses Tembe’s name became more publicly known following the tragic death of his daughter, Anele Tembe, who was in a highly publicised relationship with rapper AKA before her death in 2021. AKA was later fatally shot in Durban, adding further public scrutiny to Tembe’s family.

READ: Tibz—More than AKA’s friend and ex-manager

A new chapter for the Lottery

With the licence now awarded, Tembe and Zungu’s Sizekhaya Holdings have promised to modernise operations, expand employment, and “bring in best-in-class technology.” The consortium now carries the weight of public expectations—and political scrutiny.

Will they deliver a lottery that is, in Tembe’s words, truly “bigger, better and exciting”?
South Africa is watching.

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