South Africa's ITHUBA Gets Surprise 12-Month Lottery License Extension

Just hours before the clock was set to strike midnight on May 31, 2026, the script for South Africa’s lottery future was completely rewritten. Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, announced a stunning last-minute decision: ITHUBA Holdings would not hand over the reins as planned. Instead, the incumbent operator received a temporary 12-month license extension, effectively blocking Sizekhaya Holdings from taking control on June 1, 2026.

The announcement dropped Saturday night, sending shockwaves through Gauteng province, where retailers had already begun the technical transition to the new system. It’s the kind of bureaucratic twist that leaves everyone scrambling. One minute you’re preparing for a decade-long change; the next, you’re told to stay put. For millions of players relying on LOTTO, PowerBall, and DAILY LOTTO, the immediate impact is continuity—but for the industry, it’s a major disruption.

A Midnight Reversal in Pretoria

Here’s the thing: this wasn’t supposed to happen. For months, the narrative was clear. ITHUBA, which has operated the National Lottery since 2015, was wrapping up its ten-year tenure. The final draw under their watch took place on Wednesday, May 29, 2026. By all accounts, Sizekhaya Holdings was ready to step in as the fourth national lottery and sports pool operator in the country’s history.

But then came the statement from Minister Tau. He cited the need to ensure "continuity of lottery operations" as the primary reason for the intervention. Without going into specific legal details, the move prevented a potential suspension of ticket sales that could have occurred if the handover process hit any snags. Essentially, the government decided it was safer to keep the lights on with a known entity than risk a blackout during a complex transition.

The timing is critical. With the previous contract expiring exactly at midnight on May 31, the window for Sizekhaya to assume operations was closing fast. Retailers across Gauteng reported confusion on Friday and Saturday as they attempted to update their point-of-sale systems for the new operator, only to receive counter-instructions to maintain ITHUBA’s protocols. It’s operational chaos, plain and simple.

What This Means for Players and Retailers

For the average player, the news might seem like a non-event. If you’ve been buying tickets, you can keep doing so. However, the underlying mechanics have shifted significantly. ITHUBA will now continue operating through at least May 31, 2027. This extension covers all major games, including the high-stakes PowerBall and the daily draws that many rely on for small wins.

Let’s look at the practical side. If you’re purchasing via Nedbank, the rules remain strict. You must be at least 18 years old. The purchasing windows are precise:

• LOTTO: Available Wednesday and Saturday from 06:00 to 20:25, and other days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday) from 06:00 to 23:30.
• PowerBall: Available Tuesday and Friday from 06:00 to 20:25, and other days from 06:00 to 23:30.
• DAILY LOTTO: Available daily from 06:00 to 20:25, with draws every night except Christmas Day.

Retailers, however, face a different headache. They had invested time and resources into the Sizekhaya transition. Now, they must revert or pause those efforts, potentially incurring costs for unused software licenses or training. The friction between policy decisions on paper and reality on the shop floor is palpable.

The Bigger Picture: ITHUBA’s Global Ambitions

This isn’t just about domestic politics. ITHUBA has been positioning itself as a regional powerhouse. Back in May 2024, board members and executives were seen collaborating with Tanzanian authorities, signaling an intent to expand beyond South Africa’s borders. Being recognized by the World Lottery Association as Africa’s leading operator adds weight to their claim of stability.

By extending ITHUBA’s license, the government may also be betting on their established infrastructure. But this raises questions about fairness. Sizekhaya won a competitive bidding process. To reverse that outcome without transparent justification feels odd, even if the stated goal is operational safety. Legal experts are likely already reviewing the implications of such a sudden policy shift.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The immediate future is clear: ITHUBA stays. But the long-term picture remains blurry. Will Sizekhaya pursue legal action? How will the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition justify this reversal to stakeholders who trusted the original timeline? These are unanswered questions that loom large over the industry.

For now, the lottery drums keep beating. But the rhythm has changed. The trust in the regulatory process has taken a hit, and while players can still buy their dreams, the business behind the scenes is anything but stable.