Charles Esther
A South African woman has stepped forward this week to claim the R124 million Powerball jackpot won last week.
The winning ticket was purchased using the Absa banking app, with a R37.50 wager and manually selected numbers.
Winner Shocked by Unexpected Notification
The winner revealed that she initially ignored calls from her bank, thinking they were telemarketing calls.
“It wasn’t until I answered the call that I was told to visit the nearest Ithuba office. That’s when I learned I had won the jackpot,” she said, still in shock.
Plans for the Jackpot Winnings
She shared that her husband has been unemployed, and the family had been living on a single income.
“Now everything will change. I wish my parents were still here; there’s so much I would have wanted to do for them,” she added.
Public Skepticism Over Legitimacy
Many South Africans have expressed doubt over the legitimacy of her claim.
Critics questioned how she ignored calls and did not check her numbers, despite the massive prize.
Banking Apps Dominate Lottery Wins
Some social media users, including X account @victordascencao, highlighted that FNB and Absa app users have won most major jackpots over the past five years.
“No Division 1 winners from Capitec, Nedbank, TymeBank, retail tills, or the official National Lottery records exist during this period,” he posted.
Concerns About Lottery Transparency
Others linked the skepticism to past National Lottery Commission (NLC) scandals, citing misappropriation of funds meant for charitable purposes.
Some demanded that Ithuba return to live draws to ensure public trust.
Ithuba Reassures Public
Ithuba stated that all draws are conducted under surveillance and in the presence of independent auditors to maintain transparency.
Why Winners Remain Anonymous
Lottery winners in South Africa are protected by the Data Protection Act, meaning their identities cannot be disclosed without consent.
This policy aims to safeguard winners’ privacy and security.
Public Opinion Divided
The debate continues online, with many questioning the integrity of Powerball while others defend Ithuba’s procedures.
The Story Unfolds
As more details emerge, South Africans remain curious and cautious about the legitimacy of big lottery wins in the country.
