ITHUBA, the proud operator of the National Lottery, is delighted to announce that the winner of the R69,284,942.70 PowerBall PLUS jackpot from draw 1653 on Tuesday, 23 September, has officially come forward to claim his life-changing winnings. The lucky ticket was purchased in-store in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, with a R45 wager and manual selection.

The winner, a devoted husband and father in his 50s, shared that he is still overwhelmed by the reality of his new fortune. “I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes. To think that I would one day see so many zeros in my bank account, it still feels like a dream,” he said.

For him, this win is more than just financial freedom, it is a generational blessing. “The burden of children having to take care of their parents while they only start attending to their own basic needs later in life ends with me. In my 50s, my wife and I have been raising our children in a rented home all our lives. Now, we can finally own a home of our own, and I want to make sure my children will also have houses once they complete their studies and start working.”

He expressed heartfelt relief that his children will now have the peace of mind to pursue their dreams without being rushed into adult responsibilities. “They must have the freedom to build the lives they want without the weight of providing for us, like I had to. Education will be their foundation, and I’ll make sure of that,” he said.

The winner also reflected on his elderly mother, who is over 80 years old. “There is nothing more I can do for her now, but one thing I’ve always wished for is to take her to a 5-star hotel. She deserves that experience, and I know she will love it.”

Despite his newfound wealth, the winner intends to continue working. He also revealed that he and his wife plan to travel together.

“We will start local, exploring South Africa, and then gradually travel internationally. But we will only do this from the interest earned on investments. I am going to take care of these winnings. They are a blessing for my family, and I must preserve them.”

Congratulating the winner, ITHUBA CEO, Charmaine Mabuza, said: “This is such a heart-warming story. We are thrilled to see the PowerBall PLUS jackpot transforming lives in such a meaningful way. With careful planning and investment, this win will benefit generations to come. That is exactly what we aim for at ITHUBA—that our jackpots bring lasting, life-changing impact.”

As with all high-tier winners, the Empangeni winner will receive free trauma counselling and financial advice to help guide his journey. Winners have 365 days to claim their prizes, which are paid tax-free within 72 hours.

Players must be 18 years or older to participate in the National Lottery. Play responsibly.