Status Update: 4th National Lotteries Licence
As the Minster of Trade, Industry and Competition, I am required by the National Lotteries Act to award the national lottery and sport pools licence.
The running of a lottery is a complex undertaking upon which many vulnerable people and important organisations depend. Therefore, in taking my decision, I must choose an applicant which, I believe, will maximise the net proceeds of the National Lottery and sports pools.
In addition, I must act in terms of the provisions of the Constitution, which requires a process of adjudication that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.
I am also enjoined to act in accordance with the National Lotteries Act, which requires me to be satisfied that the successful applicant has sufficient experience and know-how and the necessary financial and other resources.
I must also ensure that the owners and managers of the successful applicants are, as the Act states, “fit and proper persons”. In addition, I must ensure that no political party or political office-bearer has any direct financial interest in the applicant or a shareholder of the applicant.
And, I must choose an applicant that has demonstrated the necessary commitment to the social responsibility programme and to the advancement of those disadvantaged by unfair discrimination.
For this reason, some of the criteria that are considered are the promotion of our local economy and broad-based black economic empowerment.
I am aware that the country and the applicants for the licence are anxiously awaiting my decision. I am also mindful of the complexity and gravity of the issues that must be considered.
Unfortunately, I am not in a position to make a final decision at this stage. Any such decision at this time would in all good conscience mean that I have not applied my mind with due consideration of all the relevant factors.
I have identified matters that require further evaluation. It would be inappropriate to disclose these issues now and their disclosure could very well prejudice the proper adjudication of the awarding of the licence. A protection of the integrity of the process is of paramount importance.
Therefore, I have decided to postpone my decision pending the consideration of these matters.
I am awaiting advice on the best way to ensure the continuation of the national lottery in the interim and the development of a programme to finalise this process, which I have directed must be done after consultation with the National Treasury.
Throughout this process I have been, and will continue to be, in communication and consultation with the Board of the National Lotteries Commission.
Media enquiries
Yamkela Fanisi – Ministerial Spokesperson
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
E-mail: YFanisi@thedtic.gov.za
Mobile: 076 034 6551
OR
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
X: @the_dtic
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