PowerBall Fever Hits SA as Jackpots Soar to R53 Million this Friday

South Africa is holding its breath as the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus jackpots climb to a combined R53 million ahead of the big draw on Friday, 15 August. The stakes are high — R15 million in the main PowerBall and a massive R38 million in the PowerBall Plus — after Tuesday night’s draws ended with no winners.

A shot at life-changing money

With the cost of living biting hard, the possibility of hitting the jackpot is more than just a fantasy for many South Africans. ITHUBA, the lottery operator, says the sheer size of this week’s prize pool has players dreaming big. “With jackpots of this magnitude, the dream of financial freedom feels more real than ever,” the company said in a statement, urging hopefuls to get their tickets at participating retailers, via online platforms, or through banking apps. On social media, South Africans are already posting their “manifestations” and lucky number combinations, with hashtags like #PowerBallSA and #R53Million trending in the run-up to the draw.

The local context: From mega wins to record history

Friday’s prize may not yet match the record-breaking R232 million win of February 2019, but it’s still enough to turn an ordinary Friday into an unforgettable one for a lucky player. For many, the PowerBall has been more than a game — it’s been a rare ticket out of financial strain. Over the years, winners have walked away debt-free, opened businesses, sent children to university, and even funded community projects.

How it works

The PowerBall draw asks players to select five main numbers from 1 to 50 and one “PowerBall” number from 1 to 20 for R5 per board. For an extra R2.50 per board, you can opt into the PowerBall Plus — the same game, but a second chance to win. Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 20:58, with ticket sales closing at 20:30 on draw days.

A note for big winners

In South Africa, lottery winnings are tax-free and paid directly into your bank account. If you win R50 000 or more, ITHUBA offers free trauma counselling and financial advice from accredited professionals — a safety net for what can be an overwhelming moment.

Bottom line: By Friday night, someone in South Africa could wake up R53 million richer. Whether you’re picking numbers based on birthdays, dreams, or pure guesswork, this is one of those draws where the stakes — and the hopes — are sky-high.

Source:The South African 

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