Amy Fraser27 March 2025 | 9:57

Minister Parks Tau accused of deliberately delaying lottery licence to benefit Ithuba

Wina Njalo argues that the minister’s actions are so ‘irrational’ that they can only be seen as serving an ulterior motive – advancing Ithuba’s interests.

Minister Parks Tau accused of deliberately delaying lottery licence to benefit Ithuba

Parks Tau. Picture: Instagram

Minister for Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau has been accused of deliberately delaying the awarding of the fourth national lottery licence to benefit the current licence holder, Ithuba.

In an urgent court application, bidder Wina Njalo argues that the Minister’s actions are so 'irrational' that they can only be seen as serving an ulterior motive – advancing Ithuba’s interests.

Steyn explains that Ithuba's licence is set to expire in June, yet no decision has been made on who will take it, despite expectations that the matter would have been resolved last year.

He adds that Wina Njalo is seeking a court order to compel Tau to announce the successful bidder by 9 May and to finalise the licence agreement by 31 May.

The hearing is scheduled for 22 April.

"This is a massive contract that for the next few years, whoever gets this contract, will be operating our National Lottery."
- Daniel Steyn, Journalist – GroundUp

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.