Urgent call for PowerBall PLUS players to check tickets as R2.2 million winner remains unclaimed
You could be sitting on a fortune
Someone has won big.
Image: File image
THE excitement surrounding South Africa's National Lottery takes a suspenseful turn as Ithuba, the official Lottery Operator, implores PowerBall PLUS participants to examine their tickets with urgency. A staggering prize of over R2.2 million from the draw on November 12, 2024, remains unclaimed, and time is ticking away for the fortunate individual who holds the winning ticket.
The winning ticket, purchased from a retailer in Mayfield Square, Johannesburg, was among the highlights of the 2024 draw, yet its owner has yet to step forward to claim what could be a life-changing windfall. With the deadline looming - exactly one year from the draw date, the claim period will expire on November 12, 2025 - the stakes have never been higher.
“We are urging all participants to check every possible ticket,” said Ithuba CEO, Charmaine Mabuza, in a statement.
“Someone out there is sitting on a R2.2 million fortune. We would love to celebrate this win with them before it is too late.”
As of September 30, a total of more than R157 million in winnings remains unclaimed across various categories, underscoring a common oversight among players who often check only for the jackpot. Many winners tend to overlook secondary prizes, which could still offer substantial gains.
“Very often, when people realise that they did not win the jackpot, they do not bother checking if their ticket won anything,” Mabuza explained.
“We encourage all in-store ticket holders to check their tickets in-store as they might have won from various other divisions.”
For those who participated through banking or digital platforms, Ithuba ensures that players are promptly notified about their winnings, with those under R250 000 directly credited to their bank accounts. This attention to customer experience aims to alleviate the stress typically associated with claiming, particularly for significant prizes.
Interestingly, South Africa’s gaming regulations dictate that unclaimed winnings are transferred to the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) after the claim period ends. This initiative guarantees that funds, even when unclaimed, contribute positively to society, financing good causes and community upliftment initiatives throughout the country.
High-tier winners, when they claim their prizes, receive tailored support from Ithuba that includes complimentary trauma counselling and independent financial advice to navigate their newfound fortune confidently. Such services are designed to help winners manage their sudden wealth responsibly, ensuring their financial journey starts on the right foot.
In light of the recent developments and the significant prize still waiting to be claimed, Ithuba urges all those who participated in the November 12, 2024, PowerBall PLUS draw to check their tickets today. Your winning moment could be just a ticket away.