R179m PowerBall jackpot has a winner, but remains unclaimed

National lottery operator ITHUBA is appealing to the winner of the historic R178,995,240.90 jackpot to claim their winnings.

The company's Michelle van Trotsenburg explained that the winner played via the FNB banking app and would have received a call from the bank. 

The player correctly predicted the five numbers drawn in Tuesday’s draw, as well as the bonus ball, to win the PowerBall Jackpot.

“It is the second-largest jackpot ever seen in South Africa,” says Van Trotsenburg.

She said winners often delay claiming their prize out of fear.

“We have had winners in the past who have almost lost out on their jackpot purely because they don’t take the call. There are only 365 days to claim their winnings. They would not take the call, but we eventually got them to accept that it is not a scam.”  

Financial and trauma counseling is provided to all winners, as some may struggle with the sudden influx of wealth.

To listen to Bhamjee in conversation with 702’s John Perlman, use the audio player below: