PowerBall jackpot winner claims R124 million prize, shares life-changing story
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THE winner of the PowerBall jackpot, from Draw Number 1639 held on August 5, has officially claimed her winnings of more than R124 million.
The winning ticket was purchased via the Absa Banking App with a R37.50 wager, and the winner manually selected her numbers.
She reported to the Ithuba Johannesburg offices on Monday afternoon to complete the claim process.
Recalling her experience, she said: "I kept seeing calls from an unfamiliar number but thought it was tele-sales, so I ignored them at first. On Friday, I finally answered, and it was my bank advising me to report to the nearest Ithuba office as I had won some money. They didn't tell me the exact amount. It was only when I arrived at Ithuba that I was told I had won the jackpot. I am still in shock."
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The winner expressed how the win would change her life: "My husband has been unemployed for a few years, so we've been living on one income. It's been a tough, hand-to-mouth situation. Now everything will change. I wish my parents were still here. There's so much I would have wanted to do for them. I will rebuild their house and restore it as our family home. My dream of owning a car will also finally come true."
In line with Ithuba's winner services programme, she received trauma counselling and was offered financial advice to help her manage her new wealth.
Ithuba CEO, Charmaine Mabuza, said: "We are thrilled that the winner has come forward and deeply moved by how this life-changing jackpot will positively impact her and her family. Stories like this are at the heart of the National Lottery - giving everyday South Africans a chance to dream big and transform their lives. We look forward to celebrating many more winners in the future."
Ithuba is the operator of the National Lottery.
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