A life-changing PowerBall Plus jackpot worth R2 284 810 remains unclaimed, and ITHUBA, South Africa’s National Lottery operator, is urgently calling on Gauteng residents to check their tickets before time runs out.
The winning ticket was purchased at Mayfield Square in Daveyton, east of Johannesburg, in the 12 November 2024 draw.
But with the prize set to expire on 12 November 2025, the clock is ticking for the unknown winner.
Missing ticket
It’s heartbreaking to think someone could be unaware they’re a millionaire.
The Gauteng public is urged to search “wallets, coat pockets, handbags, and even cars” for the missing ticket.
If the winner does not come forward by the deadline, the prize money will be forfeited and transferred to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, which supports public development projects across South Africa.
Public Reaction: Mixed Emotions
The story has stirred a wave of reactions online.
Some social media users expressed sympathy, encouraging others to check their tickets, while others questioned how someone could misplace a ticket worth millions.
Some even speculated whether a winner exists at all.
“Sounds like a movie plot,” joked one commenter.
“Poor guy probably washed it with his jeans,” another added.
Behind the Numbers
The incident highlights a broader issue – many South Africans still rely on paper lottery tickets, particularly in communities with limited access to digital platforms.
Without digital alerts, winners may never realise they’ve hit the jackpot.
ITHUBA is ramping up awareness campaigns and urges all players to log into their online accounts or review old paper tickets from November 2024.
They remain hopeful the rightful winner will come forward in time.
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