News / National
'Where must my family do business - Zimbabwe?'
5 hrs ago | Views
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has firmly denied any political interference in the awarding of South Africa's lucrative national lottery licence to Sizekhaya Holdings, whose shareholders include Bellamont Gaming.
The Citizen recently reported that Bellamont is co-owned by Moses Tembe and Khumo Bogatsu, the twin sister of Mashatile's wife, sparking concerns over a potential conflict of interest in the tender process. Sizekhaya was awarded the licence for eight years, despite public scrutiny and suspicions of patronage, particularly since Bellamont was registered only nine months before the licence was granted.
In an interview with the Sowetan Times, Mashatile insisted he had no involvement in the licence awarding process and called it unfair to accuse his relatives of wrongdoing solely based on their connection to him.
"There are so many people who know me in this country – family, children, cousins and friends. Where must they do business? In Zimbabwe? Out of this country?" Mashatile questioned on Tuesday. "They can do business, as long as I'm not involved, not because they know me. Because once you say Mr Mashatile is capable of influencing, even if he is sitting in his house, it's unfair. You must be able to say he went there to interfere."
The Deputy President emphasized that the authority to select the winning bidder rests solely with Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau. Tau announced Sizekhaya as the successful bidder on May 28 following a rigorous evaluation process and has since assured Parliament that any allegations of conflicts of interest will be thoroughly investigated.
As the controversy continues, public attention remains focused on the transparency and integrity of the national lottery tender process, with calls for accountability from all parties involved.
The Citizen recently reported that Bellamont is co-owned by Moses Tembe and Khumo Bogatsu, the twin sister of Mashatile's wife, sparking concerns over a potential conflict of interest in the tender process. Sizekhaya was awarded the licence for eight years, despite public scrutiny and suspicions of patronage, particularly since Bellamont was registered only nine months before the licence was granted.
In an interview with the Sowetan Times, Mashatile insisted he had no involvement in the licence awarding process and called it unfair to accuse his relatives of wrongdoing solely based on their connection to him.
"There are so many people who know me in this country – family, children, cousins and friends. Where must they do business? In Zimbabwe? Out of this country?" Mashatile questioned on Tuesday. "They can do business, as long as I'm not involved, not because they know me. Because once you say Mr Mashatile is capable of influencing, even if he is sitting in his house, it's unfair. You must be able to say he went there to interfere."
The Deputy President emphasized that the authority to select the winning bidder rests solely with Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau. Tau announced Sizekhaya as the successful bidder on May 28 following a rigorous evaluation process and has since assured Parliament that any allegations of conflicts of interest will be thoroughly investigated.
As the controversy continues, public attention remains focused on the transparency and integrity of the national lottery tender process, with calls for accountability from all parties involved.
Source - African Insider
