Johannesburg – The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) on Friday said “it reaffirms confidence” in Ithuba after the North Gauteng High Court judgment in Pretoria reconfirmed the incumbent South African national lottery operator.
The judgment comes after a Supreme Court of Appeal decision in April, which dismissed an appeal by former lottery operator, Gidani, against an earlier judgment in Ithuba’s favour.
Speaking outside the High Court in Pretoria, NLC Chairperson Prof Alfred Nevhutanda, said the NLC remains confident in Ithuba’s capability in running the national lottery.
“It has taken over a year to get to this point, and our focus can now shift solely to matters of regulation, funding and working for the public good,” said Nevhutanda.
The SCA ruled that there was no “justifiable” merit for an appeal and that there was “no reasonable prospect of success” on the matter.
The SCA application related to an unsuccessful 2014 legal challenge by Gidani against Trade and Industry Minister, Dr Rob Davies for having awarded the third national lottery license to Ithuba.
African News Agency