Parks Tau Grilled Over Paul Mashatile's Sister-in-law's Ties To Lottery Licence Winner

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says he will investigate allegations of conflict of interest involving Deputy President Paul Mashatiles sister-in-law Khutso Bogatsu, who reportedly has shareholding in the company that has won a multibillion-rand tender to operate South Africas national lottery for eight years.

Tau awarded the lottery licence to Sizekhaya Holdings in May. On Monday 23 June, AmaBhungane reported that one of Sizekhayas shareholders is Bellamont Gaming, whose co-owners and co-directors are Bogatsu and KwaZulu-Natal businessman Moses Tembe.

Bogatsu is twin sister to Mashatiles spouse Humile, while Tembe, who is reportedly linked to the African National Congress ANC, is allegedly close to Mashatile and was part of his recent visit to France.

Businessman Sandile Zungu, who is reportedly also ANC-linked, is another shareholder in Sizekhaya.

Tau appeared before Parliaments portfolio committee on trade, industry and competition on Tuesday 24 June alongside the National Lotteries Commission NLC.

Democratic Alliance DA member of Parliament Toby Chance grilled him about Mashatiles alleged family interest in the matter. In response, Tau committed to investigating the allegations.

"It would be irresponsible of us to ignore what has been raised in the public domain by investigative journalists and the media," he said.

He added that his Department and NLC would seek legal advice on whether there was a conflict of interest or political affiliation involving Mashatile or his family.

"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 explained.

NLC Commissioner Jodi Scholtz also told the committee that prior to Sizekhaya winning the tender, investigations and legal advice determined that neither Zungu nor Tembe was considered an office bearer. Therefore, there was no direct financial interest to political parties.