Ithuba prepares to operate lottery

Johannesburg - Ithuba is preparing itself to run a world-class lottery network, says chairperson Seth Phalatse.

"Ithuba is very pleased with the court's decision to dismiss Gidani's challenge and very relieved that this part is behind us," he said.

Gidani had challenged Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies's choice of Ithuba as the successful applicant to take over the lottery on the grounds that it was irrational and arbitrary.

Profitable national lottery

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday dismissed Gidani's application for an urgent interdict pending a review.

Gidani's licence expires at the end of May 2015.

"Ithuba is now doing everything in its power to ensure that come June 2015, it is ready to deliver an efficient and profitable national lottery to South Africans all around the country," Phalatse said on Wednesday.

He said Ithuba looked forward to unveiling its new game portfolio, which it hoped would encourage many people to start playing the lottery.

"South Africans can look forward to a unique, quality lottery offering with great choice and increased opportunities to win the jackpot."

Gidani said it would still pursue a review.

Quest for justice

CEO Bongani Khumalo said: "On the contrary we found the exercise informative in such a helpful manner that we would have otherwise remained in the dark as to what went on in the various stages of the evaluation, adjudication, assessment and decision-making phases.

"We're now even more resolute to pursue the review of the national lottery licence award decision."

He said Gidani recognised the contribution the national lottery made towards development and poverty alleviation.

"Our challenge is not frivolous...neither is it vindictive. It is driven by the quest for justice, fairness and lawfulness."

He said Gidani was confident of its case and considered it necessary and unavoidable.

"The shareholders, directors and managers of Gidani are seasoned businessmen and businesswomen who would not waste money on a wild goose chase. We shall overcome," he said.