News24 | Couple wins R178.9 million PowerBall jackpot, second-largest in National Lottery history

A couple claimed the second-largest Poweball jackpot on Thursday.

• A young couple claimed the R178.9 million PowerBall jackpot.
• It is the second-largest win in National Lottery history.
• The husband purchased a R15 Quick Pick ticket via the FNB app. 

In a moment that will forever change their lives, a young professional couple has claimed the staggering R178.9 million PowerBall jackpot from Draw 1687, which was held on Tuesday, 20 January.

This monumental win, officially claimed on Thursday, marks the second-largest National Lottery jackpot since Ithuba took over operations.

The couple, who purchased their winning ticket via the FNB app, using a Quick Pick selection for just R15, are overjoyed at their newfound fortune.

The winner and his wife, who are still building their careers and shaping their future together, described the win as a life-altering event.

It has erased years of financial anxiety and opened the door to achieving their dreams.

“I was often anxious about whether my wife and I would ever accomplish the life we dream of. Our dream life was by no means that of multimillionaires, that always felt like a wild fairytale to me,” said the husband said, speaking to Ithuba.

“We were simply working hard to cover the basics and, one day, own a paid-off home. This win has taken a lifetime of anxiety off our shoulders. Now, all this and more is possible, and we can live our lives with far more confidence about the future.”

Among their first plans? An overseas adventure to celebrate their incredible luck.

Ithuba, the operator of the National Lottery, has provided the winners with trauma counselling and independent financial advisory services to help them navigate their new reality.

READ | Two new multimillionaires minted as SA’s PowerBall jackpots make history

CEO Charmaine Mabuza expressed her delight, saying: “This win marks the second-largest National Lottery jackpot in our history, which is a proud milestone for both Ithuba and the country.

“When we set out to reinvigorate the National Lottery, our vision was to restore excitement, credibility and scale, while creating truly life-changing moments for everyday South Africans.

“Seeing jackpots of this magnitude transform real lives continues to be deeply fulfilling and reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-impact jackpots that inspire hope, participation and national excitement.”