Ithuba contributes R528 million to trust fund
JOBURG – Ithuba Holdings Proprietary Limited, the official operator of the South African National Lottery as from 1 June last year, has announced that it has contributed R528 million to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).
The priorities for distributing these funds must contribute to developmental needs, enhancement of social and moral responsibility, and economic viability of programmes designed to advance rural, underprivileged and poor communities.
Ithuba Holdongs’ spokesperson, Zuki Nomnganga said, so far, the company has created 35 millionaire jackpot winners, that is winners of R1 million and more. The biggest jackpot ever won was R60 million in December last year.
Life has not been easy for the new operators as, since it started operating, they have faced some challenges because once retailers have been boarded onto Ithuba’s systems, getting retailers to understand a new system and a new operating model is always a challenge.
“Remember Ithuba’s operating model is different to that of the outgoing operator and so are the draw machines. Familiarising themselves with change and new systems is always a challenge,” Nomnganga said.
The spokesperson said Ithuba was proud of the fact that it pioneered the use of handheld devices to purchase lottery tickets, particularly in areas where formal trade is far. “This is a great way to also empower small/ medium enterprises,” she said.
On 22 January, a lucky Powerball player will stand the chance to win this Friday’s rollover jackpot estimated at R40 million. Tickets are available at select retailers or via cellphone banking for Nedbank and FNB clients.
Details: 0800 484 822.
