In light of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of the 21 day National lockdown and further to our communication released on 22 March 2020, the National Lottery Operator, ITHUBA, has implemented effective measures in compliance with the government’s interventions to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
As a technology driven company operating in a highly regulated industry, ITHUBA has always ensured that our systems are solid, secure and crisis-management-ready. This means that during this critical time, we are able to implement business continuity plans in an orderly and effective manner. Whilst the lockdown means that we are compelled to shut down our offices, we have prepared our staff to work remotely in order to ensure minimum business interruptions. The health and safety of our staff, our players and South Africans at large is paramount to us. It is with this in mind that we make the following announcements:
OFFICE CLOSURE AND WINNER SERVICES
During the lockdown period, our head office and all regional offices will be closed. This means that no winners will be able to claim their winnings at any of our offices. Players should not be anxious about this, all winning tickets have a life-span of 365 days before they expire. It is therefore imperative that players keep their tickets safe until they can claim.
Winnings below the prize value of R2 000 can be claimed at National Lottery participating retailers, whilst retailers such as Checkers can pay up to R10 000 and Approved Prize Payout Centers (APPCs) up to just under R50 000.
ALTERNATIVE PLAYING METHODS
We encourage all of our players to make use of our digital platforms to play their favourite National Lottery games. Our Mobile App is easily downloadable on all smartphones. Players can also make use of our up-to-date National Lottery website, and on-line platforms of our bank channel partners namely Absa, FNB, Standard Bank and Nedbank. We have a dedicated e-commerce team working remotely and fully equipped to assist players with digital gaming.
TELEVISED DRAW SHOWS FOR LOTTO AND POWERBALL
LOTTO and Powerball draws will continue to be televised as per norm – LOTTO on Wednesdays and Saturdays on SABC 2 at 20:57; and Powerball on Tuesdays and Fridays on eTV at 21:00. Draw results will also be available on digital platforms such as the National Lottery website, National Lottery Mobile App and our social media pages. The integrity of our draw is of outmost importance, therefore, all draws will continue to be independently audited.
RETAILER CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES
We have made arrangements to ensure that our retail partners receive stock before the lockdown commences. Our field staff will also sanitize equipment and train retail clerks and stores on the sanitazion of consumer touch points. This has already been implemented in most stores.
SUPPORT THROUGH THE CALL CENTRE
Our Call Centre will remain functional during this period. We have put precautionary measures in place to safeguard the health of our staff members which have been tested and proven to be effective.
SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES
We are exploring how we can support the well-being and sustainability of South Africans. As a company that is centered on UBUNTU and the progression of society, the most vulnerable in society remain a priority to us. Communication relating to activities in this regard will be communicated separately in due time.
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