Mapaballo Borotho
Young professional couple plans overseas travel after historic jackpot win
The winner of the historic R178.9 million PowerBall jackpot has finally claimed his life-changing prize.
The win comes from a draw that took place on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, with the winning ticket purchased through the FNB app.
The winner and his wife are a young professional couple who are still building their careers and shaping their future together.
Following this historic win, he said that, like many other young South Africans, he has been focused on working hard, growing professionally, and steadily creating the life he envisions.
One of his long-standing dreams has been to travel overseas with his wife.
“I was anxious a lot about whether my wife and I would ever accomplish the life we dream of. Our dream life was by no means that of multi-millionaires. That always felt like a wild fairy tale to me. We were simply working hard to cover the basics and one day own a paid-off home,” the instant millionaire said.
“This win has taken a lifetime of anxiety off our shoulders. Now all this and more is possible, and we can live our lives with far more confidence about the future,” he added.
The new South African millionaire has been provided with comprehensive support, including trauma counselling and access to independent financial advisory services, to help ensure the responsible and sustainable management of the winnings.
Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza says this is the second-largest win in the history of the National Lottery jackpot.
“This is a proud milestone for both ITHUBA and the country. When we set out to reinvigorate the National Lottery, our vision was to restore excitement, credibility and scale, while creating truly life-changing moments for everyday South Africans.”
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