Still unclaimed: R110 million Powerball jackpot awaits South Africa’s next millionaire
One ticket. R30. A life-changing R110 million. But the winner remains in the shadows.
Johannesburg, South Africa: Someone in South Africa just hit the jackpot – quite literally – and they probably have no idea.
A single ticket purchased via the FNB banking app has scooped up a staggering R110m ($5.83m) in the April 8, 2025, Powerball lottery draw. But days later, the winner remains elusive, and the clock is ticking.
The National Lottery operator, Ithuba, has confirmed the winning ticket was bought with a modest R30 ($1.59) Quick Pick selection. Now, they’re urging the mystery winner to check their app and answer their phone – that life-changing fortune could be a tap away.
Michelle van Trotsenburg from Ithuba expressed concern that winners who play via banking apps often don’t realise they’ve hit the jackpot, largely because they ignore calls that could confirm their win.
“We all know when you receive a call from the bank or any institution people think they are being sold certain things. They do not believe that the call may be attached to the lottery,” she said.
“That is why we always encourage people that if you have bought a National Lottery ticket and you get a call from the bank the very next day – please take the call.”
Sales and marketing calls
In a world of robocalls and persistent sales pitches, this kind of call is easy to dismiss. But in this case, hanging up could mean leaving R110 million on the table.
The winner has 365 days from the draw date to come forward and claim the prize. If not, the jackpot will be allocated to charitable causes under the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund – a noble outcome, but a bittersweet one for a fortune unclaimed.
This isn’t the first time a massive win has hung in limbo, but with such a life-altering amount at stake, the suspense is electric.
So, if you bought a Powerball ticket through the FNB app recently, now’s the time to double-check your numbers – and maybe even take that unexpected call. Your bank balance might just be about to change forever.
