South Africa’s National Lottery has entered a new era as Sizekhaya Holdings officially takes over operations, promising to make the game more accessible while expanding its contribution to communities across the country.

The handover, which took effect on June 1, marks the start of an eight-year operating partnership between Sizekhaya and the National Lotteries Commission.

The company says its focus will be on widening participation, strengthening public trust and improving the overall lottery experience.

For many South Africans, the National Lottery is about more than the chance of a jackpot. It offers hope for a better future, whether through a winning ticket or through the community projects supported by lottery funding.

That broader role has made the lottery one of the country’s most visible public institutions, directing funds to charities, sports programs, arts initiatives and social development projects.

“This is a national asset. It belongs to the people of South Africa,” said Sizekhaya Holdings CEO Lebo Ndadana.

“We want South Africans to feel excited about participating in the lottery, confident in its integrity and proud of the contribution it continues to make in communities across the country.”

Expanding access and participation

Sizekhaya plans to make it easier for South Africans to participate by growing the lottery’s retail presence and improving digital platforms.

The company said partnerships with retailers nationwide will help ensure convenient access in major cities, smaller towns and rural communities.

The operator also plans to reintroduce live televised lottery draws, bringing back a feature many South Africans remember.

Ndadana said the move is intended to rebuild excitement around the lottery and encourage greater public engagement.

Supporting communities beyond jackpots

While creating more winners remains a key objective, Sizekhaya said the lottery’s social impact will remain at the center of its strategy.

The company pledged to maintain strong governance standards while promoting responsible participation.

Every ticket sold contributes to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, which supports charities, community organizations, sports development, arts and cultural programs across South Africa.

Ndadana said the impact of lottery funding extends far beyond headline-grabbing jackpot wins.

“While jackpot winners often capture headlines, lottery funding changes lives every day through the organizations and projects it supports,” he said.

As Sizekhaya begins its tenure, the company says its goal is to build a National Lottery that is trusted, accessible and relevant to more South Africans, while increasing the benefits generated for communities across the country.