South Africa’s Incoming National Lottery operator Sizekhaya, Bets it all on Technology
South Africa’s incoming National Lottery operator, Sizekhaya Holdings, has vowed to modernise the country’s lottery system by utilizing modern technology in the system.
Sizekhaya believes that a technological embrace will expand the country’s lottery system as well as strengthen transparency, accessibility and public trust ahead of officially taking over operations on 1 June.
The commitment was outlined at a joint media and stakeholder event on Thursday hosted by Sizekhaya and the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Its here that executives presented their plans for the future of the National Lottery and Sports Pools system. The introductory event business leaders, retailers, media representatives and stakeholders from across the lottery sector under one roof as Sizekhaya officially introduced themselves in the nation.
Sizekhaya Plans for South Africa’s Lottery Ecosystem!
Central to the company’s plans is a drive to increase participation in the lottery, create more winners and improve convenience for players. They plan do do this via both retail shops and digitally. The company also confirmed that live televised lottery draws will return once it assumes operations next month.
Sizekhaya chairperson Moses Tembe pointed out that his firm believes that their acquisition of the Lottery provides new opportunities to renew and strengthen one of South Africa’s most recognizable national institutions. He said, “As Sizekhaya, we understand clearly that we are not only operating a business. We are acting as custodians of a national institution.”
Cementing on why they are going the tech way, Tembe said, “The future of the National Lottery must be accessible, modern and responsive to the way South Africans live today.”
Describing the National Lottery as both a platform of opportunity for ordinary South Africans and an important instrument for social development, he said, “The National Lottery occupies a unique place in our society. For sure, it is a game of possibility. Every week, millions of South Africans participate in the hope that life may change for the better. But the lottery is also much more than that; it is a national instrument for development, opportunity and social impact.”
Read Also: Why Lottery Infrastructure Is Becoming a Political Flashpoint Across Africa
National Lotteries Commission Point of View!
The event also marked one of the first major public engagements involving leadership from both the incoming operator and the regulator ahead of the operational transition. This was a sign of support and moral encouragement the commission showed towards the new operator. A bold move for a positive picture especially to South African Lottery players.
NLC chairperson Barney Pityana Said, “The National Lottery is more than a commercial enterprise. It is a national public asset with a profound developmental mandate and social responsibility.”
“As the National Lotteries Commission, we remain committed to ensuring that the lottery is operated with integrity, accountability and transparency. We are also maximizing its positive impact in communities across South Africa.” He added.
The NLC ascertained that integrity and continuity of the lottery system in south Africa is in their safe hands throughout the transition process and beyond. Come 1st June Sizekhaya will start their operations in South Africa.
