Economic Freedom Fighters EFF leader Julius Malema has sought clarity from President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sizekhaya Holdings alleged political links to Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau awarded the multibillion-rand fourth national lottery licence to Sizekhaya in May.
One of the companys shareholders is Bellamont Gaming, whose co-owners and co-directors are KwaZulu-Natal businessman Moses Tembe and Advocate Khutso Bogatsu, who is Mashatiles sister-in-law.
According to a recent AmaBhungane report , Tembe is allegedly close to Mashatile and was part of his recent visit to France. Another KwaZulu-Natal businessman, Sandile Zungu, is also part of the Sizekhaya consortium and was part of the same visit.
Further reports allege that Bogatsu is romantically engaged to businessman Sbu Shabalala, who is reportedly Tembes cousin.
These alleged links have raised conflict of interest concerns, which Tau pledged to investigate during an appearance before Parliament last week.
Malema seeks answers from RamaphosaThese facts reveal an intricate web of familial and political connections that strongly suggest that the awarding of the National Lottery Licence may have been influenced by improper political considerations - constituting a textbook case of state capture, Malema claimed in a letter to Ramaphosa dated 3 July.
He asked the President, Given the severity of these allegations and in light of your public commitment to state renewal and ethical leadership, we put forward the following questions:
Malema accused Tau of initially refusing to appear before Parliaments portfolio committee on trade, industry and competition prior to awarding Sizekhaya the licence.
When he eventually appeared last week, he revealed an alarming lack of lack of knowledge regarding these serious allegations, the EFF leader claimed.