On 1 June 2025, ITHUBA Holdings executed a seamless full-scale migration of the South African National Lottery’s core technology platform in under two hours, marking one of the fastest transitions ever recorded in the industry. This transition was powered by Paytronix, a fully black-owned South African ICT firm, and enabled uninterrupted lottery access through banks, mobile networks, retail points, and digital platforms. The migration marks a major step towards a homegrown infrastructure, fostering technological sovereignty, speedier innovation, and greater value retention within the country[1].
ITHUBA, after an unprecedented 10-year tenure as South Africa’s lottery operator, continues in its role under a 12-month temporary license awarded in June 2025 by Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau. This extension followed a court dispute; the appointment enables a smooth transition before Sizekhaya Holdings becomes the permanent operator in 2026[3][4].
ITHUBA has pioneered technological upgrades and expanded its success internationally, launching the Uganda National Lottery in 2024 and preparing for an entry into Tanzania in 2025. The company has delivered over $720 million to South Africa’s National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, as well as supported social projects in education, housing, and small business growth, establishing itself as a model for responsible gaming and community impact[2].
However, recent developments have seen ITHUBA challenge the award of the next full license to Sizekhaya Holdings, citing concerns about the transparency of the process and Sizekhaya’s preparedness and funding. ITHUBA’s statement also highlights questions over political connections between the new licensee’s main shareholders and government officials, requesting a judicial review of Minister Tau’s decision. The legal dispute is ongoing, with the Minister expected to respond in August 2025[5].
ITHUBA has proactively addressed and refuted media claims of delays or failures during the lottery system transition, confirming continued operational capacity across banking, telecom, and retail platforms serving millions of South Africans[6].
References
- [1] ITHUBA executes seamless National Lottery system migration in under two hours
- [2] A decade of growth: Celebrating ITHUBA’s success
- [3] Minister appoints Ithuba Holdings to run national lottery for 12 months
- [4] South Africa issues interim lottery license to Ithuba
- [5] South Africa: Ithuba Challenges Lottery Licence Award
- [6] Ithuba Holdings addresses false claims regarding National Lottery transition
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