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Lottery and Gaming : Group Head of Legal, Risk & Compliance From 2015-09 To Current
Duties
Group Head of Legal, Risk & Compliance - Zamani Gaming (Pty) Ltd (Equity Investor)
A subsidiary of Zamani Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg | September 2015 – Present
- Led and advised on mergers, acquisitions, and investment transactions, including comprehensive legal and regulatory due diligence.
- Structured, negotiated, and approved transaction documentation, including term sheets, MOUs, subscription and shareholders’ agreements, and ancillary instruments.
- Directed regulatory approvals, notifications, and engagements with regulators and competition authorities.
- Oversaw cross-functional and cross-border transaction teams comprising external counsel, financial advisors, tax specialists, and internal stakeholders.
- Accountable for transaction execution, closing mechanics, and fulfilment of conditions precedent.
- Advised on credit facilities, loan agreements, bank guarantees, and foreign loan registrations, including engagements with the Bank of Tanzania.
- Monitored investee companies for ongoing compliance, governance, and regulatory adherence across multiple jurisdictions.
- Advised on dispute resolution, risk mitigation strategies, and investment protection mechanisms.
Group Head: Legal, Risk & Compliance -ITHUBA Group (Lotteries/Gaming)
A subsidiary of Zamani Holdings (Pty) Ltd
South Africa • Uganda • Tanzania • Botswana | September 2015 – Present
Strategic Legal Leadership
- Acted as the senior legal advisor to Business Units, EXCO, the Board, and Shareholders on strategic, regulatory, and litigation matters.
- Accountable for defining and executing enterprise litigation risk strategy aligned to commercial imperatives and regulatory constraints.
Litigation Strategy & Court Success
Investigations, Fraud & Enforcement
- Led engagement with law enforcement agencies in fraud-related investigations and proceedings.
- Authored and approved legal opinions, reports, and enforcement documentation supporting criminal, civil, and disciplinary actions.
- Directed multidisciplinary investigations involving IT, financial forensic experts, and internal audit teams.
Commercial, Contracts & Transactions
- Led negotiations of high-value sponsorship and broadcast agreements with leading broadcasters, aligning commercial objectives with regulatory and brand considerations.
- Managed the full contract lifecycle across commercial, ICT, procurement, and M&A transactions.
- Provided strategic legal support on complex lottery bid submissions and tenders across South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Ghana.
Licensing, Negotiations & Regulatory Engagement
- Served as a core member of executive negotiation teams responsible for securing lottery licences across four jurisdictions.
- Acted as the primary legal interface with regulators and senior government stakeholders across African gaming authorities.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Accountable for governance, compliance, and enterprise risk management frameworks, reporting to Board Committees.
- Designed and implemented compliance frameworks covering POPIA, AML/FICA, B-BBEE, and sector-specific legislation.
Intellectual Property
- Oversaw intellectual property strategy, including trademarks, software IP, and domain name portfolios.
Group Head: Legal, Risk & Compliance — Paytronix Systems (ICT Services)
A subsidiary of Zamani Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg | September 2015 – Present
- Led the negotiation and drafting of Africa’s first lottery and gaming software development agreement. (https://www.itweb.co.za/content/KWEBbvyZOkQ7mRjO)
- Structured and concluded source code escrow and transfer agreements to protect intellectual property and business continuity.
- Negotiated and approved ICT agreements with major technology and telecom providers, including Vodacom, Oracle, IGT, Skilrock, and SBTech
- Oversaw software licensing, system integrations, and escrow arrangements.
- Provided legal leadership on ISO, GLI, and WLA system certifications.
- Negotiated eWallet and USSD service agreements with telecom operators in Uganda and Tanzania.
Group Head: Legal, Risk & Compliance — Zamani Bets (Sports betting)
A subsidiary of Zamani Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg | January 2017 – March 2022
- Secured Bookmaker and Manufacturer licences and ensured ongoing regulatory compliance and annual renewals.
- Developed and approved AML/FICA, KYC, POPIA, and Responsible Gaming policies.
- Led system certification processes and regulatory approvals.
Manufacturing : Head Legal Advisor /Company Secretary From 2015-03 To Current
Duties
Meetings
- Attending to arrange Shareholders, Board of Directors and Management meetings. Attending to distribute the Agenda for the meetings.
- Attending and contributing to meetings from a legal and business perspective as referred by CEO or MD’s.
- Assess information gathered, make recommendations to the CEO/COO/ Board which take account of business needs. Execute Board/ CEO/COO decisions when referred.
- Attending to record minutes of the meeting and/or consultation process and thereafter attending to distribute same to the relevant people.
- Attending meetings and/or consultations process with Union Representatives from the South African Chemical Workers Union and Metal and Engineering (“SACWU”) and Metal and Engineering Workers Union of South Africa (“MEWUSA”).
- Attending SASOL’s seminar together with the CEO, in order to be on SASOL’s supplier data base.
- Attending to address employees work grievances, and ensuring a feasible working relationship between Management and the employees.
Drafting and Vetting Contracts & other documents
- Attending to draft and settle Resolutions taken by the Board in respect of Cochrane’s acquisition, Industrial Development Corporation (“IDC”), Department of Trade and Industry (“DTI”) Finance Application.
- Attending to collate all the documents necessary for IDC to conduct its own due diligence process in respect of the Finance Application.
- Attending to prepare a draft Sale of Business Agreement, between GMC and Cochrane Engineering and Mining Supplies (Pty) Ltd.
- Attending to conduct due diligence process together with the Chief Financial Officer in respect of the abovementioned acquisition, i.e. employment contract, number, period of service for each and every employee, whether there were any pending litigation matters against Cochrane, lease agreement etcetera.
- Attending to liaise with a Representative from the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (“MEIBC”) in respect of outstanding Provident Funds contributions and wage under-payments in respect of Cochrane’s employees.
- Attending to draft numerous correspondence to MEIBC Representative in respect of the abovementioned wage under-payments and Provident Fund.
- Attending to draft an Application to be exempt from non-compliance with MEIBC’s Main Agreement in particular clause 4 (a), which relates to Cochrane’s employees working hours, i.e. 2 (two) working hours difference between Cochrane, GMC’ and Lerachabetse Advanced Products Employees. Attending to annex all the necessary documentation pertaining thereto.
- Attending to conduct thorough research prior to the drafting of the abovementioned Application.
- Attending to draft job descriptions and/or overview of Cochrane’s employees, in order to align same with the Grading system outlined in the MEIBC’s Main Agreement.
- Attending to draft numerous Employment contracts for GMC’s employees, i.e. Head of Research and Development, Sale Representatives, Chief Financial Officer, Draughts-men etcetera.
- Attending to draft distribution agreements, between GMC and several other entities, i.e. Moving Ahead (Pty) Ltd and Fresh Grounds (Pty) Ltd.
- Attending to draft service level agreement in respect of the Gardening Services, Cleaning supplies etcetera.
- Vetting and interpretations of contracts, mainly Supplier of Goods and Services Agreement i.e. for Murray & Roberts, Eskom and Sempel.
- Oversee compliance with relevant regulatory authorities for all entities within the group.
- Consult with Compliance Officer(s) for all entities in the group i.e. Health and Safety Officers.
- Refer contracts or litigious matters for external advice (Jack Hajibey Attorneys) when appropriate and according to relevant risks, whilst managing the balance between accumulating legal costs and mitigating risks.
- Reviewing both companies Employment Policies and thereafter attending to amend same.
Overseeing and Managing Compliance
- Attending to implement and oversee a collection procedure in conjunction with the Accounts Department. Attending to ensure that first and final letters of demand meet the legal requirements prior to being dispatched to debtors.
- Attending to vet out various Vendor Application Forms prepared by Junior Data Capturers prior to submitting same to prospective clients.
- Monitoring that documentation drafted presents a professional image of the company concerned and meets legal requirements.
- Consult with Compliance Officer(s) for all entities in the group i.e. Health and Safety Officers in order to ensure compliance.
- Attending to liaise with 2 (two) factory managers, as well as the Safety Officer in order to
- Ascertain the number of employees who are already in possession health and safety certificates i.e. first aid and fire extinguishing certificate, fork lift licenses.
- Attending to ensure that the Health and Safety Officer renews all the expired licenses and certificate.
- Attending to initiate health and safety training for approximately 60 factory employees, together with the Head of Engineering, Safety Officer, Factory Managers and the Director of Operations and Services (to minimize production interruption).
- Adhere to timelines and requirements of appropriate regulatory authorities, including Bargaining Councils, CIPC, and other authorities as instructed from time to time.
- Attending to conduct exit interviews.
Legal Advisory
- Attending to guide the Board/CEO/COO on numerous transactions in order to ensure compliance and to safeguard the Company’s legal interests, maintain its operations within the scope as required by the law, as well as to promote the principles of good corporate governance.
- Attending to guide the CEO on various matters relating to Commercial Agreements, Trade Unions and various Bargaining Councils in order to assess the risk and to ensure compliance.
- Attending to implement and oversee proper collection procedure in conjunction with the Accounts Department.
Absolute Bliss Investments (Pty) Ltd
Head Legal Advisor/Company Secretary
March 2015 to date
Meetings
- Attending to arrange Shareholders, Board of Directors and Management meetings. Attending to distribute the Agenda for the meetings.
- Attending and contributing to meetings from a legal and business perspective as referred by CEO or MD’s.
- Attending to negotiations meeting together with the Head Geologist, in Kimberly pertaining to prospecting and mining rights, over a farm in Doornpan (“the Doornpan Project”).
- Attending to a meeting with the Director of Operations in or at Britz with a Company called Shayaphansi CC, in order to negotiate and settle a dispute pertaining to mining equipment leased. (“the Groohoek Mining Chrome Projects”).
Drafting and Vetting Contracts & other documents
- Attending to draft a Shareholders Agreement for ABI.
- Attending to record minutes of meetings and thereafter attending to distribute same to the Board timeously.
- Attending to conduct thorough research in respect of transferring Prospecting and Mining Rights i.e. the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002).
- Attending to draft a Joint Venture Agreement between ABI, Pacific Breeze (Pty) Ltd and LS DIAM (Pty) Ltd pertaining to the Doornpan Project.
- Attending to draft agreements between ABI and OLA G23 Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd pertaining to Security, Logistical and Supply of Protective Clothing Agreements in respect of the Doornpan project.
- Attending to draft a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Pacific Breeze Trading CC for other Mining Projects in Kimberly.
- Attending to exchange numerous correspondence with Shayaphansi Projects CC, in respect of a dispute pertaining to “standing time” for the excavation machinery due to community protests (“the Groothoek Projects”).
- Attending to settle the abovementioned dispute Shayaphansi, and thereafter attending to draft an addendum to the agreement.
- Attending to draft employments contract for ABI employees i.e. drillers, office administrators etcetera.
- Attending to draft a Sale Agreement for the sale of Chrome to buyers.
- Attending to draft Loan Agreement in respect of the Doornpan Project.
- Attending to draft a letter of demand in respect of monies owed to ABI by Utlraweigh (Pty) Ltd pertaining to a weighbridge. Thereafter, attending to refer the matter to Jack Hajibey Attorneys to issue Summons.
Overseeing and Managing Compliance
- Attending to ensure that the Prospecting and Mining Rights (“Permit”) has not expired.
- Attending to ensure that Jack Hajibey Attorneys have Issued Summons, Default Judgment has been lodged, and that a Warrant of Execution has been executed in respect of Ultraweigh.
- Attending to ensure that the Debtors, Ultrawiegh have signed an Acknowledgement of Debt and thereafter attending to monitor monthly payment with Jack Hajibey Attorneys.
Legal Advisory
- Attending to guide the Board/CEO/COO on numerous transactions in order to ensure compliance and to safeguard the Company’s legal interests, maintain its operations within the scope as required by the law, as well as to promote the principles of good corporate governance.
- Attending to guide the Directors on a contractual clauses i.e. force majure in respect of “standing time” for Shayaphansi Project CC.
- Attending to advice and draft a legal opinion on alienation of shares upon death of a shareholder and the shareholders indebtedness to a third party.
- Attending to advice the Head Geologist to conduct a due diligence on Pacific Breeze Trading (Pty) Ltd prior to ABI transferring R500, 000.00 (i.e. access fee) into the Pacific Breeze Trading attorney’s bank account .
- Attending to conduct the necessary due diligence, wherein it transpired that Pacific Breeze Trading Attorneys has not complied with the Rules of Western Cape Law Society in respect of his fidelity certificate.
Law Practice : Associate From 2011-02 To 2015-02
Duties
Meetings and Court attendances
- Attending numerous meeting with Advocate Hodes SC, Advocate Cassim SC and Panel of Accountants “Ravat’s Family”, Client and Candidate Attorney pertaining to R40, 000, 000.00 (forty million rand) South African Revenue Services (SARS) claim (“SARS matter”).
- Attending to numerous meetings with Advocate Hodes SC and the client pertaining to a criminal matter tender fraud and corruption charges (“Criminal matter”).
- Attending a meeting with client at the City of Johannesburg to meet with the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) of Infrastructure and Services, Ms. Greeff and her team pertaining to an illegal occupation of a building utilized for church services in midrand.
- Attending to a consultation together with the Director, at the Former Deputy President of the Republic Kgalema Motlathe and his Wife’s residency (“for the sanction busting bribe matter”). Same was reported in the Sunday Times.
- Attending at numerous courts to assist Advocate Hodes SC and other Advocate to argue matters.
- Attending at various courts Regional and Districts Courts to argue matters i.e. Rescission Application, Summary Judgments Application, Exceptions, Section 66 and 65 Applications, as well as postponing matters.
- Attending at the Premier Soccer League (“PSL”) with 2 (Senior Directors) to argue matters pertaining to Sports Law i.e. contractual disputes regarding a soccer player.
- Attending to assist 2 (two) senior directors on a contractual matter pertaining to a Sale of Businesses i.e. 2 (two) Pick ‘n Pay Franchises in Sandton regarding i.e. the purchase price, set-off clause and calculation of stock.
- Attending to assist senior director in a Neighbor Law dispute i.e. pertaining to City of Johannesburg by laws, Rezoning.
- Attending to a consultation with Gautengs’ Head of Procurement Dr. Claude Mondzanga when the Star Newspaper and Pretoria Newspaper incorrectly published a story that client was dismissed for mismanagement of funds “Gauteng Hospitals get more direct power in drastic move” on the 1st March; attending to draft a letter of demand to both Newspapers to retract the Publication and to apologies for the erroneous Publication, when same was done on the 20th of July 2012.
Drafting of legal documents and correspondence
- Attending to draft letters of demand, Summons, Default Judgements, Warrants of Execution, Pleas, Exceptions, Founding Affidavits, Answering Affidavits, Replying Affidavit and Notices.
- Attending to draft Summons pertaining a damages claim (for defective margarine) for the sum of R3, 5000,000.00.
- Attending to draft an Affidavit opposing a Liquidation Application.
- Attending to exchange correspondence with SARS Attorneys in respect of the abovementioned SARS matter.
- Attending to exchange correspondence with the National Prosecuting Authority in respect of the abovementioned criminal matter.
- Attending to draft letters of demand for malicious prosecution in respect of the abovementioned criminal matter when the discharged in terms of section 174 of the criminal procedure act.
- Attending to draft a detailed report to the Public Protector in respect of the sanction busting bribe matter, wherein the probe was discharged.
- Attending to draft legal representations for criminal matters i.e. for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, common assault, Reckless and Negligent driving etcetera.
- Attending to draft Sale of Shares Agreement between Carogenix (Pty) Ltd, GMC and LAP.
- Attending to draft Partnership Agreements, Loan Agreement and Joint Venture for Emerald Sky Trading (Pty) Ltd
- Attending to draft numerous statements of claim (“referrals”) for the Premier Soccer League (“PSL”) in respect of Polokwane City Football Club, Boroka F.C and Chippa United.
- Attending to draft and issues Summons pertaining to a defamation of character suit against Move Magazine on behalf of the owner of Polokwane City Football Club.
- Attending to draft numerous Summons for arrear rental against the Department of Public Works for properties in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria, quantum ranging from R2, 000,000.00 (minimum) to R8, 000,000.00 (maximum).
- Attending to draft an answering affidavit opposing an eviction application (in respect of an RDP House), as well as a review application; attending at the Department of Housing to obtain the necessary document to show the court that internal remedies were not fully exhausted.
- Attending numerous meetings with my director, to meet the group CEO and the Head of the Litigation Department at Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Mr. Lucky Montana and Mr. Lidikaya Zide respectively to the requirements to be on their panel of attorneys.
- Attending to conduct extensive research prior to the drafting and/or instituting legal action, i.e. perusal of High and Magistrate Court Rules, PSL, SAFA and FIFA Rules, Criminal Procedure Act, Case Law(utilizing Lexis Nexus).
- Attending to comply with deadlines and/or time periods as per the directives of High and Magistrates Court Rules, PSL Rules etcetera
Training and delegation of work to Candidate Attorneys (“CA”)
- Attending to accompany Candidate Attorneys to various Courts around Gauteng in order for them to familiarize themselves with the court process.
- Attending to cautiously delegate work to Candidate Attorneys.
- Attending to monitor work delegated to the candidate attorneys are drafted and presents a professional image of the firm and meets legal requirements.
- Attending to check fee narrations (invoices) prepared Candidate Attorneys prior to them posting same on AJS.
- Attending to chair CA’s meetings between the 2 (two) branches in Johannesburg once or twice a week, in order to co-ordinate their tasks and whereabouts in around various court around and Gauteng.
- Attending at court with one or two CA’s when arguing matters in court and/or when assisting Advocate to argue matters.
Candidate Attorney
2011-2013
First 6 months- Meetings and Court attendances
- Attending to familiarize myself with various courts in and around Gauteng.
- Attending to service and file documents at court.
- Attending numerous consultation with Attorneys, Senior Attorneys and Directors in order to grasp consultation processes.
- Attending at various Courts in order to issue Summons, lodge Default Judgments, issue warrants and thereafter delivering same to the relevant sheriff.
- Attending to set maters down for trial and/or motion court.
- Attending to liaise with various High Court Registrar’s and Magistrate Court Clerk in respect of obtaining trial and/or motion court dates.
Drafting of Legal Documents
- Attending to draft letters of demand pertaining to debt collection for the firm, Summons, Default Judgements, Warrants of Execution, drafting of Rule 38 which indemnifies the Sheriff for any damages against items attached.
- Attending to draft letters to the Sheriff instructing the Sheriff to serve and execute warrants, and or remove items attached.
Post 6 Months Meetings and Court attendances
- Attending at various Courts in order to issue Summons, lodge Default Judgments, issue warrants and thereafter delivering same to the relevant
- Attending at various court to argue matters i.e. rescission of judgment with or without consent, Section 66 and 65 Application (to declare property executable and financial inquiry respectively), Default Judgments in open court and Summary Judgment Application and/or opposing same.
- Attending at the Master of High Court to follow up on Estate matters.
- Attending to assist various Senior Attorneys in litigation matters.
- Attending at Krugersdorp Criminal Court in order to assist Advocate Hodes with bail application and subsequent court hearings thereafter. This matter was reported on E-tv & SABC news “Hawks Swoop On Platinum Factory” and New Age Newspaper “Family Platinum Ring Bust”; attending to conduct extensive research on the various aspects of this matter.
- Attending at various police stations and courts for bail applications.
- Attending to Draft High Court Rescission Application against Judgment obtained by Nedbank.
- Attending Sales in Execution on behalf of Nedbank and First Rand Bank for repossessed property.
- Attending to assist and/or accompany a client to a tax inquiry in Tshwane in respect on a matter relating to On-point Engineering (Pty) Ltd.
- Attending to assist 2 (two) of my directors in a High Court Application were legal proceedings were instituted against our client for illegal outdoor advertising i.e. failure to compliance with the City of Johannesburg by-laws.
Drafting Legal Documents
- Attending to draft letters of demand, Summons, Default Judgements, Warrants of Execution, drafting of Rule 38, which indemnifies the Sheriff for any damages against items attached, Pleas, Pleas to counterclaims, Discovery Affidavit, Founding Affidavit, Answering Affidavit and Replying Affidavits.
- Attending to draft letters to the Sheriff instructing the Sheriff to serve and execute warrants, and or remove items attached. Attending to draft tracing letter if the debtors could not be located by the Sheriff.
- Attending to draft legal representation (for criminal matters) and presenting same to the Senior Public Prosecutor and/or Control Prosecutor to have the charges withdrawn prior to same being set down for trial.
- Attending to draft Memorandums of Understanding were client wanted to conduct a due diligence, with an option to purchase the business subsequent to the diligence.
- Attending to draft bill of costs, and thereafter attending at court to argue the bill before the taxing master.
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