An announcement on the country’s suspended National Lottery is expected within days, according to Department of Trade and Industry insiders, the Saturday Star reported.
”According to Trade and Industry Department insiders, an announcement that would get the ball rolling once again is expected within days,” the newspaper said.
It reported that, according to sources, the National Lotteries Board has recommended that the government stick with the initial winning bidder, the Gidani Consortium.
On Friday, board spokesperson Sershan Naidoo said it is up to the minister to make the announcement.
”According to trade and industry insiders, as well as some of the bidders, an announcement is expected next week,” the newspaper said.
Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa previously appointed the Gidani Consortium to run the lottery as the new operator.
However, legal wrangles and a Pretoria High Court judgement that the minister should review the awarding of the new licence saw the lottery suspended four months ago.
During the suspension of the lottery, there has been speculation that some of the rival bidders might cooperate and run the lottery jointly. — Sapa