Malema blasts ‘lotto capture’: Demands Ramaphosa break silence on Mashatile link

Malema

Cape Town – EFF leader Julius Malema has raised serious concerns about the awarding of the National Lottery licence to Sizekhaya Holdings, citing possible political interference involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

The licence was granted in May by Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, replacing long-time operator Ithuba.

According to The Citizen, Bellamont is co-owned by Moses Tembe and Khumo Bogatsu — Bogatsu is the twin sister of Mashatile’s wife, raising concerns over potential conflict of interest.

Sizekhaya was granted the licence for eight years, amid public scrutiny and fears of patronage, especially as Bellamont was registered just nine months prior, the report said.

In an interview with Sowetan Times, Mashatile insisted he had no role in the process and says it’s unfair to accuse his relatives of wrongdoing simply due to their association with him.

“There are so many people who know me in this country – family, children, cousins and friends. Where must they do business? In Zimbabwe? Out of this country?,” Mashatile asked.

“They can do business, as long as I’m not involved, not because they know me. Because once you say Mr Mashatile is capable of influencing, even if he is sitting in his house, it’s unfair. You must be able to say he went there to interfere.”

The deputy president stressed that only Tau had the authority to select the winning bidder.

But in a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malema pointed to a web of familial and political ties among the company’s stakeholders — including prominent businessmen Tembe and Sandile Zungu — as evidence of possible state capture.

He demanded clarity on whether Ramaphosa supported the appointment and what action he has taken regarding Mashatile’s family involvement.

“The involvement of the Deputy President adds a troubling dimension to this matter. It has come to light that Khumo Bogatsu – a co-owner of Bellamont Gaming, which is also a shareholder in Sizekhaya Holdings – is the twin sister of South Africa’s Second Lady, Humile Mashatile, the wife of Deputy President Paul Mashatile,” Malema wrote.

“Furthermore, Ms Bogatsu is engaged to businessman Sbu Shabalala, who is a cousin of Moses Tembe, the lead figure in Sizekhaya and co-owner of the Goldrush Consortium.

“The facts reveal an intricate web of familial and political connections that strongly suggest that the awarding of the National Lottery Licence may have been influenced by improper political considerations – constituting a textbook case of state capture.”

The EFF leader went on to pose the following questions:

  • Are you aware of the extent of political ties involved in the appointment of Sizekhaya Holdings as the National Lottery operator?
  • If you are aware, do you support the decision made by Minister Tau despite serious procedural irregularities, conflicts of interest, and the defiance of parliamentary oversight?
  • Have you personally engaged Deputy President Mashatile on this matter, and if so, what explanation has he provided regarding the involvement of his immediate family in a multi-billion-rand public contract?
  • In light of the State Capture Commission and your stated anti-corruption stance, what is your position on politically exposed persons and their close relatives benefiting from government contracts or public licences such as this one?

Malema said that his party is considering legal action to review the appointment process.

“The EFF believes that the national lottery must serve the developmental interests of the people of SA — not the political elite. The level of political entanglement in this deal, compounded by Tau’s refusal to be held accountable, undermines the legitimacy of this award and sets a dangerous precedent for future public procurement.”

 Other parties, including Bosa and the DA, have also echoed concerns.

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