The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated R160 million ahead of Tuesday (21 October) night’s draw, marking the largest prize pool of the year after rolling over 21 consecutive times.
The massive windfall represents the biggest lottery opportunity for South African players in 2025, though it remains below the country’s all-time record. According to National Lottery operator Ithuba, South Africa’s largest jackpot to date was R232 million, claimed in 2019 in what became the biggest lottery win ever recorded on the African continent.
The lottery has produced significant winners this year, including a father from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, who claimed R69 million in September. The winner, who purchased his ticket in-store with a R45 wager, chose his numbers manually rather than using the quick-pick option.
The man’s plans for his windfall include purchasing a home after years of renting and travelling with his wife, highlighting the life-changing potential of lottery wins.
All lottery winnings in South Africa are tax-free, providing winners with the full value of their prizes. Players should note that winning tickets remain valid for 365 days from the date of the draw, giving winners a full year to claim their prizes.
Participation in the lottery is restricted to individuals aged 18 years and older.
The Tuesday night draw promises to be one of the most watched lottery events of the year as South Africans hope to claim the R160 million prize.
