The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) and National Consumer Commission (NCC) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The purpose of the MoU is to establish cooperation, collaboration and coordination between the Parties; apply consistent interpretations in the areas of mutual interest and jurisdiction; provide a framework for collaboration on matters of mutual interest; share relevant information on matters of mutual concern; and through the Parties’ mandates and structures, to share their interest on matters relating to the regulation of the lotteries, sports pools and gambling.

The NLC was established in terms of the Lotteries Act (57 of 1997) to regulate National Lottery and Sports pools and society lotteries with integrity and to ensure the protection of all participants; maximise revenue for good causes in a responsible manner; and distribute funds equitably and expeditiously. To that extent, the NLC is a regulatory authority as contemplated in section 1 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) Act 68 of 2008.  Established in terms of the Consumer Protection Act, the NCC seeks to promote a fair, accessible, and sustainable marketplace for consumer products and services and for that purpose, to establish national norms and standards for consumer protection. It further seeks to provide for improved standards of consumer information, prohibit certain unfair marketing and business practices, promote responsible consumer behaviour, and promote a consistent legislative and enforcement framework relating to consumer transactions and agreements.

Areas of collaboration

In terms of the signed Memorandum of Understanding, the parties will collaborate on the following:

• Compliance, investigation and enforcement initiatives to curb lotteries, sports pools and promotional competitions that contravene the Lotteries Act and/or the Consumer Protection Act;
• Information sharing on best practices aimed at effective regulation of the Parties’ respective mandates;
• Joint seminars, workshops, training and research aimed at protecting lottery participants and consumers;
• Referral of matters that fall within the mandate of the other Party and/or might have an impact on the mandate of either Party; and
• Any other matters of common interest as may be identified by the Parties.

Classification of complaints

The NCC and the NLC will develop a framework for classification of complaints to guide the referral process and ensure consistency in handling matters of mutual concern.

Implementation of the MoU

To facilitate the implementation of the MoU, the Parties commit to develop and devise strategies and time-bound action plans for effective cooperation. Speaking during the signing ceremony, NLC Commissioner, Ms. Jodi Scholtz said: “This MoU is long overdue. As the regulator of the National Lottery and Sports pools, the Lotteries Act requires the Commission to conduct its business with integrity and to protect all participants”.

“We are pleased to have signed this MoU with the NLC and look forward to its successful implementation. We are going to collaborate on all matters relating to lotteries, sports pools and gambling to curb non-compliance with our respective statutes to ensure consumers are protected,” said NCC Acting Commissioner, Mr. Hardin Ratshisusu.

ENDS

13 May 2026

For media enquiries:

Mr. Rudzani Tshigemane NLC Head: Stakeholder Management, Communications and Marketing Cell: 082 728 4603 Email: Mediadesk@nlcsa.org.za

Ms. Phetho Ntaba   NCC Spokesperson and Media Relations Manager Cell: 082 809 2031 P.Ntaba@thencc.org.za