Sizekhaya Holdings Chairman Moses Tembe has denied speculation that Deputy President Paul Mashatile may have played a role in the company winning the multibillion-rand national lottery licence .
The speculation arose after an AmaBhungane report on the matter last week.
One of Sizekhayas shareholders is Bellamont Gaming, whose co-owners and co-directors are Tembe and Advocate Khutso Bogatsu, who is Mashatiles sister-in-law.
AmaBhungane claimed 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.
Appearing before Parliament last week, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau , who awarded the tender to Sizekhaya, said he would investigate allegations of conflict of interest.
"To the extent that these matters have been raised, we will follow up on them and make a determination about the veracity of the allegations and their impact on the adjudication process, he said.
Moses Tembe denies Mashatiles alleged influenceIn a statement on Sunday 30 June, Tembe denied allegations of political patronage and cronyism, adding that he welcomed Taus probe.
Sizekhaya is not guilty of any impropriety. Neither the Deputy President nor any other political entity or individual has a financial interest - direct or indirect - in our bid, he said.
As said in Parliament on Tuesday 24 June, the Deputy President had no influence in the adjudication committee and the National Lotteries Board. Neither Bellamont Gaming nor Sizekhaya ever discussed our bid with the Deputy President.
Tembe revealed that he and Bogatsu own a seven percent stake in Sizekhaya, one of the smallest. He also denied claims that he and Zungu are the companys controlling shareholders.