South Africa's National Lottery seeks winners as R257 million remains unclaimed

As of October 30, 2024, Lotto operator Ithuba Holdings has reported that over R257 million in prizes are still unclaimed across various games. The company is actively seeking winners who have yet to come forward to claim their winnings.

Among the notable unclaimed prizes is a jackpot of R3,448,147 won on January 19, 2024. The ticket for this substantial prize was purchased in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, and it is set to expire in just over two months.

Additionally, Ithuba is looking for a Daily Lotto winner who claimed R640,100 from a ticket bought in Carletonville, Gauteng, on January 5, 2024. This prize will expire on January 5, 2025. Another Daily Lotto win of R514,232 from a ticket purchased on January 29, 2024, in Brakpan, Gauteng, also remains unclaimed and will expire on January 29, 2025.

Ithuba has emphasized that winnings not claimed within 365 days will be forfeited and redirected to support community initiatives through the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). CEO Charmaine Mabuza expressed disappointment when winners do not claim their prizes and urged all National Lottery participants to check their tickets.

To facilitate the claiming process, participants can visit their nearest retail store or Ithuba office to validate their tickets. For those using digital platforms such as banking apps or the National Lottery website, winnings under R249,000 are automatically credited to their bank accounts or National Lottery wallets. Winners of amounts exceeding R249,000 will be notified within 24 working hours and can complete the claim process at any Ithuba regional office. Importantly, all winnings are tax-free.

Participants are encouraged to write their names on the back of their tickets and store them safely after playing. Ithuba also advises players to check winning numbers via their social media pages, website, or digital app.