News
Gauteng’s Missing Millionaire: Time Running Out to Claim the R2.2 Million PowerBall Prize
Someone in Johannesburg Might Be Sitting on a Fortune
There’s a millionaire in Gauteng who doesn’t even know it yet. According to the National Lottery operator Ithuba, the winner of a R2.2 million PowerBall Plus jackpot from 12 November 2024 has just days left to claim their life-changing prize. After 12 November 2025, that winning ticket becomes worthless.
The lucky slip was bought at a Mayfield Square retailer in Johannesburg, but no one has come forward to claim it. With less than a week remaining, Ithuba is urging South Africans to double-check every ticket they’ve tucked away, because one of them could be worth millions.
“We are urging all participants to check every possible ticket. Someone out there is sitting on a R2.2 million fortune,” said Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza. “We would love to celebrate this win with them before it is too late.”
Why So Many Prizes Go Unclaimed
It’s not the first time this has happened. Ithuba revealed that as of September 2025, more than R157 million in lottery winnings across South Africa remain unclaimed. These include small wins and jackpot-level prizes that have simply been forgotten, misplaced, or dismissed by players who only checked for the biggest numbers.
Many people throw away their tickets after realising they didn’t hit the main jackpot, not realising that other prize divisions could still pay out thousands or even millions. Ithuba has repeatedly encouraged players to recheck old tickets in-store or online, particularly before claim deadlines pass.
For players who use banking apps or digital platforms, winnings under R250 000 are automatically credited to their accounts. But paper tickets must be physically claimed at an Ithuba regional office, and once that 365-day period is over, the opportunity is gone forever.
Where the Money Goes When No One Claims
If the R2.2 million remains unclaimed past the deadline, it won’t disappear into thin air. The amount will be transferred to the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), which supports community projects, non-profits, and social initiatives around the country.
Still, Ithuba says it would rather hand that cheque to the rightful winner. With the festive season approaching, one unassuming resident could be sitting on a ticket worth enough to change their entire life if they only remember to check their wallet, drawer, or glove compartment in time.
A Gentle Reminder to All Players
Even if you’re not the mystery millionaire, this story serves as a powerful reminder: always check your ticket thoroughly, and never assume that “not winning the jackpot” means walking away empty-handed. That small piece of paper might just be your ticket to a new beginning.
So, if you bought a PowerBall Plus ticket in Johannesburg last November, it’s time to look again. You might still be the next person Ithuba is trying to reach, and you’ve got until Tuesday, 12 November 2025, to make your move.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: East Coast Radio
