Tau says in a statement that this is in a bid to avoid a potentially disruptive pause in operations at the National Lottery.

In a statement, Tau says the 12-month appointment takes effect on Sunday following negotiations. This is despite the high court ruling that issuing the incumbent iThuba a 12-month temporary licence is unconstitutional and favours the current operator.

Tau says he is appealing this judgment as another court judgment confirmed his authority to make such an appointment in the public interest. This follows concerns that ticket sales would cease until the new licence holder, Sizekhaya, could take over operations next year.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on funds to charities that benefit from the National Lottery Commission.

--SABC--