Ithuba reassures South Africans: National Lottery integrity remains intact
Certified systems
Amidst claims about the legitimacy of winners and insinuations about the integrity of the lottery system, Ithuba stands firm, insisting that its draws are conducted under the strictest routine of oversight and security.
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IN A BID to counter any misleading narratives across social media, Ithuba, the operator of the National Lottery, has issued a statement affirming its commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in lottery operations.
Amidst claims about the legitimacy of winners and insinuations about the integrity of the lottery system, Ithuba stands firm, insisting that its draws are conducted under the strictest routine of oversight and security.
"Every draw is conducted using certified systems, under strict oversight from independent auditors, and safeguarded through rigorous security protocols and surveillance," said a statement issued by Ithuba. Winners are determined purely by chance - no one, including Ithuba, can predict or influence the outcome and all winner records are kept for necessary auditing purposes.
"It has been suggested that all big winners since 2020 have come only from Absa or FNB, and that Ithuba issued a statement that all 2022 Division 1 winners were from these banks. This is simply not true. Winners come from across the country, via both retail outlets and digital platforms."
Ithuba provided the following examples:
• In 2020, a PowerBall Division 1 prize of over R114 million was won from a R5 ticket purchased at Victor and Sons Café, Roodepoort.
• In November 2021, a PowerBall PLUS Division 1 winner of R50 million came from a Caltex filling station in Groblersdal.
• On May 31, 2024, a R70 million PowerBall Division 1 winning ticket was bought at Plus Benoni Mexican in Benoni.
• On November 17, 2023, a Division 1 PowerBall winner came from a Boxer Super Store in Port Elizabeth.
• A notable Lotto Plus 1 winner in May 2023, who pocketed over R20 million, played via the Standard Bank app.
• In May 2024, a Lotto jackpot of R16 million was won by a shop assistant from Limpopo via the Capitec banking app.
• On February 11, 2022, a PowerBall Division 1 jackpot of over R167 million was won at Superspar Lifestyle Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal.
• On March 11, 2022, a PowerBall Division 1 prize of more than R55 million was won by a ticket purchased at a store in Mankweng, Polokwane, Limpopo.
• On May 20, 2022, the winning ticket of the PowerBall Division 1 prize of over R126 million was won at Superspar Florida Market in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
"It is important to note that FNB and Absa were the first banks to onboard National Lottery games on their platforms. In fact, when Ithuba was awarded the licence in 2015, FNB already offered National Lottery purchases on its banking platform. Statistically, it is expected that historically, more winners may have come from these banks compared to others that onboarded later.
"In today’s digital age, it is also not surprising that many participants choose the convenience of on-line channels to play. In fact, 60% of National Lottery ticket sales now come through banking platforms."
Ithuba said it was committed to its mandate right from the beginning.
"Since taking over the National Lottery in 2015, Ithuba has contributed more than R15.4 billion to the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). These funds, which support good causes across South Africa, are handed over in full, with Ithuba having no role in their allocation.
"Importantly, Ithuba has never been found on the wrong side of the law. Like South Africans, we strongly oppose any form of unlawful or unethical political interference. We have consistently advocated for transparent, fair, and satisfactory processes - free from political influence or bias, including during the current legal process concerning the fourth National Lottery licence.
"National Lottery winners come from every corner of the country: from rural villages to large cities, through both retail and digital platforms. We celebrate their stories because they represent the very heart of why the lottery exists, creating opportunities and changing lives. Ithuba remains deeply committed to protecting the trust of our players and ensuring the continued integrity of the National Lottery."
Ithuba encouraged the public to rely on verified information from reliable sources, and to enjoy the lottery with confidence, "knowing that every ticket holds a fair and equal chance of winning".