Three South Africans woke up R45.7-million richer each

Editor’s note: Factual corrections were applied to the headline and prize figures and the full Fundi Sithebe quote was added.

According to IOL, three South Africans each won R45,733,457.30 after Sizekhaya’s first guaranteed PowerBall Xtra jackpot cascade delivered winners in Division Two; the amount may be referred to as R45.7-million thereafter for readability.

How the cascade created three multimillionaires

IOL reports that with no ticket matching all five numbers plus the PowerBall in last night’s draw, the PowerBall Xtra jackpot automatically cascaded to Division Two, where three ticket-holders each collected R45,733,457.30. Sizekhaya introduced the jackpot cascade when it assumed operation of the National Lottery on 1 June.

Sizekhaya’s intent and a historic first

According to IOL, the cascade feature is unique to PowerBall Xtra and is designed so that if the jackpot is not won after three consecutive rollovers it automatically moves to the next winning division until a winning category is reached. The mechanism guarantees jackpot winners every fourth draw. IOL says this is the first time in South African National Lottery history that a PowerBall Xtra jackpot has cascaded to the next winning division, creating three new multimillionaires in a single draw.

Where the winning tickets were bought and the numbers

IOL lists the three winning tickets as having been purchased at the Checkers Hyper in New Market, Alberton, and via the Standard Bank and FNB apps.

The winning numbers published by IOL were: 23, 26, 40, 42, 44 with PowerBall 15. The PowerBall Xtra numbers were: 8, 14, 16, 25, 44 with PowerBall 15.

Other prizes, ticket costs and claim rules

IOL reports that players in Division Three of the main PowerBall draw each won R32 682.40. The report also notes that winners have 365 days from the date of the draw to claim their prizes.

According to IOL, a PowerBall ticket costs R10 and PowerBall Xtra costs R5. Tickets are available from authorised National Lottery retailers nationwide, online and through participating banking platforms. Draws are broadcast live every Tuesday and Friday evening.

Reaction from Sizekhaya

“When we introduced the jackpot cascade, our goal was to ensure that the last PowerBall Xtra draw of every month creates significant winners. Last night, South Africans saw that promise become reality. Instead of another rollover, the jackpot found three homes.”

Fundi Sithebe, Chief Operating Officer of Sizekhaya, as attributed by IOL.

What players are advised to do

IOL says Sizekhaya congratulates the three new multimillionaires and encourages all players to check their tickets carefully.