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Cape Town - New Lotto operator Ithuba Holdings moved on Wednesday to soothe fears after Lotto players fumed that they were unable to play because machines across the country were out of order.
Ithuba, which took over as the new South African National Lottery operator from June 1 2015, said in a statement the "temporary delays" at some retailers were caused during the handover and transition process from outgoing operator Gidani.
Gidani, which had run the National Lottery for the past eight years, is still set to pursue a judicial review and possible legal action after the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria in December last year dismissed its application for an urgent interdict to set aside Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies' choice of Ithuba to take over the lottery.
The case dates back to 2013 when Gidani was designated by the National Lotteries Board as the preferred bidder. However, Davies overturned the decision, a step Gidani challenged in court.
Gidani's licence expired at the end of May 2015.
News24 reported on Tuesday that Ithuba's first Lotto draw was marred by offline machines.
The South African National Lottery Facebook page was bombarded with posts from people wanting to know whether they would still get their prize money, while others slammed the new operator, News24 reported.
Ithuba said on Wednesday that all winning tickets purchased before May 30 2015 are redeemable from any Ithuba regional office and any retailer from June 6 2015.
Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza also called on the public and retailers to be patient while the operator "ironed out any temporary delays during this transition".
"Ithuba is on track with its implementation and we are excited about delivering a reinvigorated lottery to the South African public," she said. She adding that Ithuba wants to restore faith and trust in the National Lottery, and showcase its "positive social contribution to society".
"Ithuba is intent on contributing positively and actively to socio-economic development through the ethical and efficient operation of the National Lottery, and setting the benchmark for lottery operations in SA and beyond," it said.
Ithuba’s call centres are operational seven days a week from 06:00 to 23:00 Mondays to Saturdays, and 06:00 to 18:00 on Sundays.
The Ithuba retailer helpline is 0860 456 886 and its email is info@ithubalottery.co.za. For information on winner services and where you can cash winning tickets, contact the Ithuba player helpline on 0800 484 822.
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