5 famous South African Powerball winners
Lottery-style games have been played around the world throughout history, and many countries now have their own national lottery draws.
This is certainly true in South Africa, where the Powerball draw is familiar to most people. Although overseas lotteries such as El Gordo and US Mega Millions might also be available in South Africa, the country’s own Powerball draw is the one that garners the most attention.
Launched in 2009, people in South Africa enter each week and check the Powerball results after the numbers are drawn. This has led to some people making the news for winning the Powerball jackpots. Below are five of the most famous SA Powerball winners:
1. Man from Cape Town – February 2019
One very famous winner of South Africa’s Powerball lottery was an unidentified man from Cape Town in February 2019. His win came after 24 consecutive rollovers, which meant that his jackpot prize stands as the biggest in the draw’s history to date. This was due to his ticket being the only one which matched all the numbers.
This Cape Town resident waited a whole week before coming forward and subsequently decided to remain anonymous in terms of publicity. The only other details known about him are that he was in his 50s at the time and he planned to carry on working. It was also confirmed that he spent R22.50 on tickets at Tygerdal’s OK Mini Mart.
2. KwaZulu Natal resident – February 2022
Although stories like Siya Kolisi’s recent injury set-back get plenty of attention around the country, this Powerball tale in February 2022 also made the headlines. The winner was an unnamed person from Ballito, KwaZulu Natal and they took home the second biggest jackpot from Powerball in the country.
Although not many details are known about this person, it was confirmed that they spent R150 on a Quick Pick ticket. Apart from this, the identity of the winner remains a mystery — although family and friends have probably guessed who it is by now!
3. Female player from NW South Africa – July 2021
Another famous winner of this lottery in South Africa was a female entrant from the northwest of the country. This made headlines as she was an online player and had entered the draw using the Absa banking mobile app. This is evidence of the impact technology is having on modern lotteries in South Africa.
It was reported that she had picked her regular numbers to win and spent R15 on her online ticket. Although she has always kept her identity secret, this winner was quick to reveal more details about what she would do after getting her prize. This included a family trip to Durban and building a new home to live in.
4. 34-year-old man from Evander – August 2018
After almost two months without a winner, a single ticket holder tasted Powerball success in August 2018. This lucky 34-year-old male had purchased their ticket at Evander Diensstasie in Evander, Mpumalanga and picked his own numbers. After discovering his good fortune, he kept the ticket safe in his sock until everything had been confirmed with the National Lottery in South Africa.
While no one knows his name, this famous winner revealed he worked as an engineer for a big company in Secunda. He also said that he’d look to invest in business moving forward and help future generations of his family.
5. Construction worker in Mossel Bay – August 2019
In August 2019, A construction worker in South Africa got more than he bargained for on a holiday to Mossel Bay, which is known as one of the best stops on South Africa’s Garden Route. While on holiday at this location, he decided to buy a Powerball ticket after a dream his wife had where he was covered in gold dust. Although not a regular player, this dream left him inspired enough to take part and claim the main prize.
The winning ticket was purchased as a Quick Pick at Groot Brakriver in Western Cape. It is believed that this famous winner planned to carry on working in construction and invest his prize to secure his family’s future.
Famous Powerball winners in South Africa
The South African Powerball lottery is familiar to many people nationally and has firmly established itself since being launched. Some famous winners have emerged over time and the ones listed above are some of the most interesting to read about.