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RAPPORT reporter, Marenet Jordaan posed questions about the National Lottery to The Forum. Sadly, it seems the public focus on the lottery is still mired in finger pointing instead of trying to push the DTI to create regulations that will address these shortcomings properly.
In his response, Rajesh Latchman of The Forum, re-iterates the organisations position that the DTI must separate the NLDTF from the NLB if there is to to be any improvement in the way this challenge is dealt with.
QUESTIONS:
What percentage of the Lotto’s income was paid out to good causes when Uthingo was the operator?
You should be asking the operator or the NLB about this information or it may be available in their annual report or on their website.
What was the average amount that was paid out per year? (if you want to use one/two organisations/causes as examples, please do)
Once again, this is an accountability issue that should be directed at the NLB or if you receive no clarity there, then address the DTI.
Were there ever significant problems with these payouts?
The problems with payouts have been well documented in the media; we suggest you search the SANGONeT website for news and opinions about this matter.
How has the percentages changed when Gidani took over?
Once again, we are not the lottery operators and we suggest that you ask the NLB about this. The Forum was not part of the license deliberations; in fact civil society plays no part in these choices.
Has the welfare organisations received any of their payouts since Gidani took control of the Lotto?
We suggest you address this question to the Central Applications Office at the NLDTF, as they are responsible for this function. Please also bear in mind that the problems NGOs face with the lottery are not limited to the tenure of the current operator.
Have you/these organisations noted a change in the amounts of these payouts?
Payouts to NGOs are governed by a grant agreement signed between the recipient and the NLDTF. It is possible to re-negotiate these terms on a case by case basis and with the approval of the Distributing Agency (DA) that adjudicates applications
Have you experienced any significant problems with Lotto payouts since Gidani took over?
The Forum is currently funded by the NLDTF through various grant agreements and to date, we have not experienced any variations in the grant agreement terms.
Please feel free to add any comments that you think might be relevant.
The Forum has consistently maintained that the NLDTF must be held accountable via the establishment of regulations that govern its functioning. We believe that there must be a separation between the NLB and the NLDTF as the NLB is primarily responsible for gambling legislation compliance. There needs to be a separate board appointed to oversee the work of the NLDTF. The DTI needs to commence this process urgently.
I would also appreciate it if you could refer me to anybody else that you might think I should speak to about Lotto payouts to welfare/charitable organisations.
We recommend you speak to the spokesperson for the NLB and or staff at the Central Applications Office.
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