JOHANNESBURG – Ithuba, the operator of the National Lottery, has broken its silence on what it calls “misleading and factually incorrect information” circulating on social media regarding the legitimacy of winners and the integrity of the lottery.
The statement comes amid intense public speculation, particularly following the recent R124 million Powerball jackpot win via the Absa banking app—a win that sparked allegations of insider manipulation.
In a media release dated 20 August 2025, Ithuba addressed the claims head-on, providing verified examples of winners from across South Africa—from small-town retailers to multiple banking platforms.
Ithuba’s key arguments against “misinformation”
1. Historical Context: Why FNB and Absa Appear More Frequently
Ithuba explained that FNB and Absa were the first banks to onboard National Lottery games:
“It is important to note that FNB and Absa were the first banks to onboard National Lottery games on their platforms. In fact, when ITHUBA was awarded the license in 2015, FNB already offered National Lottery purchases on its banking platform. Statistically, it is expected that historically, more winners may have come from these banks compared to others that onboarded later.”
The operator also highlighted that 60% of ticket sales now come through digital banking platforms, making app-based wins statistically likely.
2. Integrity of the draw process
Ithuba strongly reaffirmed its commitment to fairness:
“We wish to assure all South Africans that the National Lottery operates under the highest levels of fairness, transparency, and accountability. Every draw is conducted using certified systems, under strict oversight from independent auditors, and safeguarded through rigorous security protocols and surveillance. Winners are determined purely by chance—no one, including ITHUBA, can predict or influence the outcome.”
3. Debunking the “only Absa/FNB winners” myth
The company explicitly denied claims that all major winners since 2020 came only from Absa or FNB, providing a list of verified wins from various retail and digital channels:
- 2020: A PowerBall Division 1 prize of over R114 million was won from a R5 ticket purchased at Victor and Sons Café, Roodepoort.
- November 2021: A PowerBall PLUS Division 1 winner of R50 million came from a Caltex filling station in Groblersdal.
- 31 May 2024: A R70 million PowerBall ticket was bought at Plus Benoni Mexican in Benoni.
- 17 November 2023: A Division 1 PowerBall winner came from a Boxer Super Store in Port Elizabeth.
- May 2023: A Lotto Plus 1 winner won over R20 million via the Standard Bank app.
- May 2024: A Lotto jackpot of R16 million was won by a shop assistant from Limpopo via the Capitec banking app.
- 11 February 2022: A PowerBall jackpot of over R167 million was won at Super Spar Lifestyle Ballito, KZN.
- 11 March 2022: A PowerBall prize of over R55 million was won at a store in Mankweng, Polokwane.
- 20 May 2022: A PowerBall prize of over R126 million was won at Super Spar Florida Market, Johannesburg.
For instance, a retired Western Cape mom recently scooped R30 million in the Lotto Plus draw—proof that winners are spread across banks, retailers, and provinces.
4. Contribution to society
Ithuba also emphasised its social contribution:
“Since taking over the National Lottery in 2015, ITHUBA has contributed more than R15.4 billion to the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). These funds, which support good causes across South Africa, are handed over in full, with ITHUBA having no role in their allocation.”
5. Commitment to trust and transparency
The operator concluded by reaffirming its dedication to fair play:
“ITHUBA remains deeply committed to protecting the trust of our players and ensuring the continued integrity of the National Lottery. We encourage the public to rely on verified information from reliable sources, and to enjoy the Lottery with confidence, knowing that every ticket holds a fair and equal chance of winning.”
Will players buy it?
Ithuba may have laid out the numbers, but the bigger gamble now is public trust. For many South Africans, the question isn’t whether the jackpot can be won—it’s whether the system can still be believed.
For now, the company continues to encourage players to “Phanda Pusha. Play.”—a reminder that the dream remains alive for every participant, whether they play via a banking app or a local spaza shop.
ALSO READ: Step-by-step guide to apply for the R500 million Spaza Shop Fund
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