Picture: X
After operating South Africa’s National Lottery for approximately a decade, Ithuba finds itself in a sticky situation as consumers demand answers for alleged unpaid winnings, including a controversial R17.4 million jackpot.
The past few weeks have been an interesting time for Ithuba Holdings, as they have seemingly had to issue more statements this month than the previous years combined. These statements follow the company’s recent scrutiny, as well as allegations of corruption and improper conduct.
An anonymous X (formerly Twitter) post, allegedly posted by a former Ithuba senior employee, quickly captured the public’s attention when claiming that a R124 million Powerball jackpot would be won. This post became even more interesting when Tuesday, 05 August came, and as predicted by the anonymous confesser, a R124 million jackpot winner was confirmed. This further fueled the suspicions of something sinister happening behind closed doors.
— Afro (@Lucky_Mathe) August 7, 2025
To clear its name, Ithuba then issued various statements, denying any allegations of corruption or foul play, and reassuring players that all their draws are conducted safely and securely, free of any human interference. However, this appears to have had the opposite effect, as more questions and concerns continue to come about.
One individual in particular came forward to reveal that he had not been paid his R17.4 million jackpot won back in 2022 when he played via World Sports Betting. Since catching whiff of his story, members of the public have rallied behind user @Mahdi_Akhis, and have flooded Ithuba’s comment section, calling them to account for the unpaid funds.
These individuals have gone to the extent of threatening to boycott the lottery as a whole until they can provide the public with adequate and satisfactory answers, or until they pay the people what is owed to them. Furthermore, calls for live draws to return have intensified immensely, with consumers threatening to boycott until they return.
Yes 17.4 and have all the evidence to prove it,they cant give me a reason, a forensic report,NLC playing games even restored to completely ignoring me, ithuba covering for WSB even blocked me on twitter, fav’s afraid to speak on it & media won’t touch it
..eg many more evidence pic.twitter.com/JtUUAnwkDZ— Wounded Lion (@Mahdi_Akhis) August 20, 2025
We can’t play anymore because you are stealing proceeds from the people! Amasela!
— Mrs_Kat (@Kat4Kubs) August 21, 2025
We actually need to boycott the lotto until they bring back live draws. You’re telling me we live in an age where funerals can now be live streamed but we’re just supposed to trust that the lotto is done “live” in the presence of an auditor? Nope no.
— Vusumuzi (@nosiey_) August 21, 2025
Instead of the results being broadcast, the draw should go back to live broadcast.
This whole thing you keep posting is a scam.
People should boycott this whole SA lotto scam.
— TruthIsPotent (@TruthIsPotent) August 9, 2025
Also see: ‘Go to hell!’ – Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa lashes out on live radio