"Big Bucks": South African Player Wins R28 Million PowerBall PLUS Jackpot, Mzansi Amazed

• A lucky player in South Africa won a massive amount of money with the PowerBall PLUS jackpot by purchasing a ticket
• ITHUBA CEO Charmaine Mabuza highlighted the success of PowerBall PLUS in providing players with a second chance to win big, while emphasising the convenience of using banking apps
• People reacted to the lottery winner's story, and Briefly News takes a look at how to claim your lotto prize after winning in Mzansi
• Briefly News spoke to an Ithuba representative who shared more insight into the lottery win and more

The PowerBall PLUS jackpot of R28,558,423.50 has been won by a lucky player using their banking app.

R28 million PowerBall Jackpot won

According to IOL, the ticket was included in draw 1612's PowerBall PLUS jackpot, which was conducted on Tuesday, May 6.

The winning ticket was manually selected, wagered R67.50, and bought through a banking app. ITHUBA CEO Charmaine Mabuza expressed her excitement while chatting with the publication mentioned above, saying that this was the driving force behind the creation of PowerBall Plus.

“It's truly fulfilling to witness the PowerBall PLUS doing exactly what it was designed to do —offering players a second chance to win big. This win highlights the convenience and security of playing the National Lottery through banking apps. We are thrilled for the winner and remain committed to delivering a world-class lottery experience through continuous innovation and accessibility,” said Mabuza.

In Division 2, one player won over R180,000 by matching five numbers, and in Division 3, 18 players each won over R6,000 by matching four numbers plus the PowerBall.

The Ithuba representative shared why winners are often motivated by the life-changing impact of the National Lottery winnings, particularly those who become overnight multi-millionaires.

"The sudden transition can feel overwhelming, and many seek guidance on how to manage it effectively. ITHUBA offers free financial and trauma counselling services to all winners of prizes over R50,000, helping them navigate both the emotional and practical challenges that come with sudden wealth. Many winners are eager to protect their winnings, plan wisely, and secure their long-term financial well-being, said the Ithuba representative.

She expressed that the winner services team provides compassionate and non-intrusive services, emphasising the long-term benefits of their free services.

"We reassure winners that these resources are offered at no cost and are designed solely to support their well-being and financial security. Ultimately, participation is voluntary, and we respect each winner’s personal decision."

ITHUBA offers financial advisors and counsellors to winners since 2015, promoting effective wealth management and long-term financial stability, despite voluntary participation and respecting each winner's choice.

ITHUBA also provides free counselling and financial advisory services to winners in rural or under-resourced areas, according to the Ithuba representative who told Briefly News.

"We arrange transportation to ensure they can access the services they need and experience a smooth claiming process."

ITHUBA prioritises the privacy and autonomy of each winner, assessing the best interest of others and conducting confidential discussions with the winner, prioritising their well-being and wishes.

When questioned about the claim that the lottery is rigged, especially online, the Ithuba representative said the following:

"The National Lottery is regulated by the National Lotteries Commission, which ensures that all operations meet strict standards of fairness and integrity. ITHUBA firmly rejects any claims that the lottery is rigged, as these claims are entirely unfounded. All draws are conducted transparently, free from human interference, and are independently audited at every stage to guarantee accuracy and fairness. Players can have full confidence in the integrity of the process."

How to claim your lottery prize after winning

The process of claiming your lotto winnings is simple. According to the National Lottery, the procedure does change, though, based on how much you won and whether you played in-store, online, or through an app.

You have 365 days from the date of the draw when you won to redeem your prize, regardless of its value. You will lose out on your money if you do not come forward within this year.

SA reacts to lotto win announcement

People in Mzansi flooded the comments section, expressing their thoughts, with many claiming to be the winner while cracking jokes.

Angeline Theyse said:

"Wow, is this true, always one person, and Big bucks, ek gee maar op."

Kalan Smith expressed:

"Biggest lie ever..your chances of winning are 1 in 300 million....they can't have winning this often, plus you enter your ticket or play via app into their system..who chooses the numbers when its been selected."

Glengineer Inc - Creative Social and Tech Leadership shared:

"If it were me, I'd be very, very thankful, grateful and blessed, because to my knowledge I hadn't yet bought a ticket for that draw."

Boitumelo Phiri commented:

"Congratulations to the winner."

More lottery stories

• One fortunate South African has become an instant millionaire after winning the massive R110 million Powerball jackpot.
• Briefly News reported on an unclaimed R8.4 million Lotto PLUS One jackpot, with Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza urging the winner to come forward before the prize expires.
• A lucky South African became an overnight millionaire after winning the Daily Lotto draw on March 14, 2025, joining several recent winners including a woman from Rustenburg who claimed her February winnings.

Source: Briefly News