Fundi Sithebe, one of the most respected figures in South Africa’s horse racing and betting landscape, has been appointed a non-executive director of Sizekhaya Holdings — the newly announced preferred bidder for the national lottery licence.

Sithebe’s inclusion adds heavyweight experience to the consortium’s leadership team. Best known as the former CEO of 4Racing, she helped steer the organization through a period of transformation, modernizing its operations and driving a more commercially sustainable model in one of South Africa’s oldest sports industries. She is also a current director of SAA. 

Her influence, however, stretches well beyond local racing. Sithebe was a board member of the World Tote Association — a global body that represents the interests of pool betting operators around the world. This role had given her a front-row seat to international best practices in gaming and wagering, including compliance, digital strategy, and integrity.

Her understanding of regulated betting environments, combined with her executive track record, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping how Sizekhaya approaches the management of South Africa’s lottery. With her blend of corporate discipline and industry know-how, Sithebe is seen as a steady hand who can help bridge operational goals with strong governance — a key factor in running a national lottery that must be transparent, trusted, and transformative.

Her appointment also strengthens Sizekhaya’s credibility in a sector where public confidence is vital, especially after a bidding process that was under close scrutiny. With Sithebe on board, the consortium gains not just a director — but a strategic mind who understands both the mechanics of gaming and the stakes of public service.