R113 Million PowerBall Jackpot Has South Africans Dreaming Big

A record rollover fuels excitement, as hope spreads across Mzansi

The jackpot that won’t quit

For the 19th time in a row, South Africa’s PowerBall jackpot has rolled over, pushing the estimated prize to a jaw-dropping R113 million for this Friday’s draw. It’s one of the biggest jackpots in recent memory, and for hopeful players from Soweto to Stellenbosch, the dream is real: What if this time… it’s me?

From the hawker outside the taxi rank buying a quick pick, to the aunty in line at Checkers double-checking her numbers, the buzz is undeniable.

Winners among us

While this PowerBall prize has yet to find a winner, 2025 has already changed lives. National Lottery operator Ithuba says more than R500 million has been paid out in winnings since June alone. Over 17.7 million tickets have cashed out and seven lucky players are now certified multi-millionaires.

One of the most heartwarming stories this season comes from a Cape Town mother who bagged over R30 million in a Lotto Plus 1 draw in July. Her first instinct? Not jets or mansions, but safety for her daughter.
“She relies heavily on e-hailing to get to work, and that worries me,” she said. “I want her to travel safely and independently. First thing I’m doing is getting her a car.”

A nation of dreamers

Lotto culture in South Africa is bigger than numbers, it’s about possibility. For decades, the National Lottery has been woven into the country’s socio-economic story. With unemployment still sky-high and many households under financial pressure, the idea of “it could be you” hits close to home.

Social media is abuzz with banter and “manifestation” posts.

“My ancestors better work overtime tonight,” one user joked on X (formerly Twitter).
“R113 million? I’m not just quitting my job. I’m buying my boss’s company,” another wrote.

The real value of the Lotto

Charmaine Mabuza, CEO of Ithuba, believes the Lottery is about more than big wins.
“This is what the National Lottery is all about, changing lives, creating opportunities, and giving people a reason to dream again,” she said.

Beyond individuals, Ithuba also channels a portion of ticket sales to development causes and non-profits, another reason many South Africans view playing as both fun and meaningful.

What you need to know

If you’re planning to take your shot at history, here are the essentials:

• Ticket sales close: 20:30 on Friday, 1 August 2025

• Minimum age: 18 years

• Tax-free winnings (yes, really)

• Tickets are valid for 365 days from the date of draw

Whether you’re using your kids’ birthdays, a hot tip from a sangoma, or just letting the machine decide, one thing’s for sure: Friday night is Lotto night, and the stakes have never been higher.

This Friday’s PowerBall is more than a draw, it’s a national moment. For a country hungry for good news, the R113 million jackpot is a shared flicker of hope. And while only one ticket may win it all, millions will be tuned in, imagining how that money could rewrite their story.

So, Mzansi, are you feeling lucky?

{Source: IOL}

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