ITHUBA, the proud operator of the South African National Lottery, is urging all participants to check their tickets and claim any unclaimed winnings from National Lottery games. As of 30 October 2024, more than R257 million in prizes remain unclaimed across various games.

Among the significant unclaimed prizes is a PowerBall PLUS jackpot of over R3.4 million, purchased in Louis Trichardt on 19 January 2024, set to expire on 19 January 2025. Another substantial win is a Daily LOTTO prize of R640 100, bought in Carletonville, Gauteng, on 5 January 2024, expiring on 5 January 2025.

Unclaimed winnings that are not claimed within the 365 days period will be forfeited and redirected to support community causes through the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).

Participants may walk into their nearest retail store or ITHUBA office to validate their tickets to check if they have unclaimed winnings.

For participants using digital platforms which include, banking platforms, National Lottery website, and mobile App, there is no need to claim any winnings under R249 000, as these amounts are paid automatically into their bank accounts or credited directly to your National Lottery wallet, respectively. For winnings over R249,000, winners are promptly notified within 24 working hours and can easily complete the secure claim process at any ITHUBA regional office.

ITHUBA CEO, Charmaine Mabuza urges all participants who have played in the past year to check and validate their tickets. “It is always an unfortunate and anticlimactic when winners do not follow up on their well-deserved prizes. We appeal to all National Lottery participants to write their names at the back of their tickets and store them safely after playing. We also encourage participants to use our social media pages, website and digital App, to check the winning numbers once they have played,” says Mabuza.

Do not let your winnings slip away! If you played, check your tickets and collect your winnings before they expire! Tickets are valid for 365 days from the draw date.

All winnings are tax free.

Players must be 18 years or older. Play responsibly.