South Africa is talking about just one thing today — R178.9 million. A working couple has officially claimed a massive PowerBall jackpot, making it the second-largest win in the history of South Africa’s National Lottery. What started with a R15 ticket has now turned into a moment that will be remembered nationwide.
💥 From R15 Ticket to R178.9 Million — How It Happened
The winning ticket was:
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🎟️ Bought for just R15
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📱 Purchased via the FNB banking app
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🎲 Selected using Quick Pick
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📅 Won in PowerBall Draw 1687 on 20 January 2026
No long planning.
No special numbers.
Just a normal decision on a normal day — followed by an extraordinary result.
🧠 “It Still Feels Unreal” — Winners Struggle to Process the Shock
According to officials, the couple took time to come forward after the draw. Like many big winners, their first reaction was disbelief, followed by emotional overload.
Winning this amount doesn’t only bring happiness — it brings:
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Shock
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Anxiety
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Fear of sudden change
That’s why the National Lottery operator Ithuba steps in immediately.
🛡️ What Happens After Such a Huge Win?
To protect winners, Ithuba provides:
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🧠 Trauma counselling
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💼 Independent financial advice
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⏳ Time to make decisions without pressure
The idea is simple:
Don’t let one lucky moment turn into a long-term mistake.
✈️ Big Money, Simple Dreams
Despite the eye-watering amount, the couple’s early plans are surprisingly grounded.
Their first thoughts include:
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🏡 Buying a home
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🔒 Securing their future
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✈️ Travelling abroad together
No flashy statements.
No wild promises.
Just normal dreams — finally affordable.
📊 Why This Story Is Exploding Everywhere
This isn’t just about money.
This story is trending because:
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It’s real people, not celebrities
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It proves anyone can win
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It started with R15, not privilege
In the last few hours, searches for PowerBall, lottery winners, and jackpot news have spiked as South Africans imagine the same question:
“What if it was me?”
🏆 A Historic Moment for the National Lottery
Over the years, PowerBall has created many winners — but this R178.9 million payout now stands as the second-largest jackpot ever won in South Africa.
It’s a reminder that:
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Life can change in one draw
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Luck doesn’t send a warning
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Ordinary days can become unforgettable
🔚 Final Word
People don’t share lottery stories because of numbers.
They share them because hope feels contagious.
Today, one couple’s life has changed forever.
Tomorrow, millions will still check their tickets — just in case.
Source- https://www.news24.com/southafrica/news/
Rajani Kant
Content Writer | South Africa & Namibia
Rajani Kant is an experienced content writer with over 7 years of expertise
in covering News of South Africa, Namibia, and other African countries.
He focuses on Entertainment news government vacancies news,
grants, scholarships, and public service updates, strictly based on
official and verified government sources.
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- 7+ years of experience in Africa-focused digital journalism
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