Powerball Jackpot Soars to R135 Million as Lottery Landscape Shifts
South Africans dreaming of a life-changing win have a significant opportunity this Friday, May 1st, 2026, as the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus jackpot reaches a staggering R135 million. Players can also look forward to R58 million for the main PowerBall and a R77 million PowerBall Plus multiplier. However, this draw comes with a unique backdrop: a major transition in the national lottery operator.
The Final Days of ITHUBA
For those accustomed to playing through ITHUBA, time is running out. ITHUBA’s license concludes on May 31st, 2026, paving the way for Sizekhaya Holdings to take the reins on June 1st, 2026. This handover marks a significant change in the lottery’s operation, with potential alterations to the games themselves. Players should be aware that existing ITHUBA accounts and methods of play will cease to be valid after May 31st.
Understanding Your Odds and the Game
The PowerBall offers a compelling, albeit challenging, opportunity. Each entry costs R5, with the option to add PowerBall Plus for an additional R2.50. While the odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 42,375,200, the potential reward remains a powerful draw. Players choose five numbers between 1 and 50, plus a PowerBall number between 1 and 20.
How to Play and Claim Your Winnings
Tickets can be purchased at licensed retailers, through banking apps (FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Absa, and Capitec), or via an ITHUBA online account or mobile app – though these options are only available until May 31st, 2026. Ticket sales close at 20:30 on the draw date. Winnings are tiered based on the amount:
- Up to R2,000: Claimable at retail stores.
- R10,000 to R49,999: Claimable at Approved Prize Payment Centres (APPC).
- R49,999 to R249,999: Claimable via EFT through participating banks (excluding African Bank, which has a limit of R49,999).
- Over R250,000: Requires an in-person claim at an ITHUBA office.
All winnings must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date, and claimants must be over 18 with a valid South African bank account (no older than three months) and proof of identity.
Beyond PowerBall: Exploring Other Lottery Options
While PowerBall is often highlighted, the Lotto and Lotto Plus draw also offers substantial prizes. Tonight’s Lotto and Lotto Plus jackpot stands at R98 million. Lotto requires selecting six numbers from 1 to 58, offering slightly improved odds of 1 in 40,310,358.
Sizekhaya Holdings: The New Operator
Sizekhaya Holdings (RF) (Pty) Ltd, led by Moses Tembe and Sandile Zungu, was awarded the Fourth National Lottery and Sports Pools Licence by the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. The company is set to operate the National Lottery and Sports Pool for an eight-year term. The transition to a new operator is expected to bring changes to the lottery landscape, though the specifics remain to be seen.
FAQ
- What is the deadline to claim winnings from ITHUBA? Winnings must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date.
- Where can I purchase PowerBall tickets? Tickets are available at licensed retailers, through banking apps, and via the ITHUBA online platform (until May 31st, 2026).
- What are the odds of winning the PowerBall jackpot? The odds are approximately 1 in 42,375,200.
- Who is the new lottery operator? Sizekhaya Holdings (RF) (Pty) Ltd will take over operations on June 1st, 2026.
Don’t forget to check the results of Tuesday 28 April’s PowerBall draw: 05, 17, 38, 44, 47 with PowerBall 02, and PowerBall Plus numbers 06, 10, 13, 24, 26 with PowerBall 02.
Disclaimer: Playing the lottery should be considered a form of entertainment, and players should gamble responsibly.
