In a recent turn of events, EFF leader Julius Malema has taken a bold step by addressing President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the controversial awarding of a lucrative lotto license. The spotlight shines on Deputy President Paul Mashatile, with Malema raising concerns about potential political interference in the process. The eight-year multibillion-rand contract was granted to Sizekhaya Holdings, a company with connections to individuals associated with Mashatile.
The intricate web of relationships unfolds as it is revealed that Mashatile maintains a friendship with Moses Tembe, chair of Sizekhaya Holdings. Tembe also happens to be a co-owner of Bellamount Gaming, a company jointly owned by Khumo Bogatsu, the sister of Mashatile’s wife, Humile Mashatile. Despite these close ties, Mashatile and Tembe vehemently deny any allegations of political meddling.
Malema’s letter to Ramaphosa not only seeks clarity but also brings to light the objections raised by the EFF to Minister Parks Tau and the parliamentary portfolio committee. Tau’s actions, or lack thereof, come under scrutiny as he reportedly ignored parliamentary oversight and resisted appearing before the committee prior to awarding the fourth national lottery license.
Tau’s defense of the license award during his appearance before the trade, industry, and competition portfolio committee further fueled Malema’s concerns. The EFF leader pointed out Tau’s evasiveness, lack of acknowledgment of conflicts of interest, and apparent ignorance of Mashatile’s alleged involvement in the tender process.
Malema’s questioning of Ramaphosa aims to shed light on the extent of the president’s knowledge regarding Mashatile’s alleged interference. Calls for an independent investigation by various parties, including the DA, add weight to the growing demand for transparency in the lottery license awarding process.
Amidst the escalating tensions, the EFF contemplates legal action to compel the disclosure of the appointment process, emphasizing the need for the national lottery to prioritize the developmental interests of South Africans over political agendas. Malema’s stance underscores the belief that political entanglement in public dealings, coupled with the reluctance of officials to be held accountable, jeopardizes the credibility of such awards and establishes a concerning precedent for future procurement practices.
The unfolding saga not only exposes the intricacies of political relationships and influence but also raises broader questions about the integrity of public procurement processes. As the saga continues to unravel, the call for accountability and transparency resonates not only within the political sphere but also among the populace at large.
