Gidani loses the Lotto as new operator faces legal hurdle

Gidani, the licensed operator of the national lottery, has bowed out, ending its seven-year run.

Since 2007, Gidani has made 597 millionaires who, combined, won R4.31-billion.

Gidani CEO Professor Bongani Khumalo said the company had also disbursed R11.68-billion to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

''We have cherished the privilege to positively impact millions of fellow citizens in various ways in the past seven and a half years.

''From a business, entrepreneurial as well as a corporate citizen socioeconomic point of view, our licence period has been profoundly meaningful and worthwhile."

He said that an additional 181.2million Lotto winners, other than jackpots, were awarded prizes amounting to R8.97-billion.

PowerBall delivered 75.76million winners, sharing prizes worth R2.31-billion.

Gidani's licence was not renewed after Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies awarded the third licence to operate to Ithuba Holdings.

This decision is on review in court, and is expected to be finalised at the end of next month.

''Until the legal challenge is concluded, Gidani will comply with the law and cease operations," said Khumalo.

Gidani operates at 8000 retail outlets.

''To our valued customers, all concerned and all our stakeholders, we say: 'So long,'" said Khumalo.