The PowerBall jackpot in South Africa has reached a record R164 million for the draw on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, combining the main PowerBall draw (R78 million) and PowerBall Plus (R86 million). With only six draws remaining under the current ITHUBA operator before a major format change and handover to Sizekhaya Holdings on 1 June 2026, this draw represents the last chance for many to participate in the current game structure. The unprecedented jackpot is the result of consecutive winless rollovers, offering players an unprecedented opportunity—but also a stark reminder of the slim odds and the lottery’s role in an economy where 99.9% of tickets lose.
For lottery enthusiasts, the stakes could not be higher. The PowerBall and PowerBall Plus draws on 12 May 2026 will be the last under ITHUBA before the national lottery operator transitions to Sizekhaya Holdings, marking the end of an era for South Africa’s biggest lottery game. Meanwhile, the Friday 8 May 2026 draw, which had R155 million riding on it, concluded without a winner, setting the stage for this week’s monumental prize. Players who missed out on Friday’s draw now have one last chance to join the millions hoping to change their lives with a single R5 entry.
But with the odds of winning the top prize standing at 1 in 42,375,200, financial caution is as important as the thrill of playing. As the economy tightens, the lottery remains a popular—and risky—form of entertainment, offering both a fleeting dream and a reminder of the house’s near-certain advantage. For those who do win, the process of claiming their prize is straightforward, but the rules are strict, and time is of the essence.
How the R164 Million Jackpot Was Built—and What It Means for Players
The R164 million jackpot is the result of a series of winless rollovers, a common but unpredictable phenomenon in lottery games. Each time a draw fails to produce a winner, the prize pool grows exponentially, fueled by the R5 cost of each ticket. This week’s draw combines the main PowerBall jackpot of R78 million with the PowerBall Plus jackpot of R86 million, creating a total prize fund that has never been seen before in South Africa’s lottery history.
Adding PowerBall Plus to your ticket costs just R2.50 extra, doubling your chances of winning a share of the R86 million jackpot. With the current format ending soon, this draw is not just about the money—it’s also about nostalgia for the game’s long-standing structure. The last big winner purchased a ticket at a Checkers Hyper, a reminder that luck can strike anywhere, from the smallest corner shop to the busiest retail outlet.
Key Dates and What’s Changing
The transition from ITHUBA to Sizekhaya Holdings is set to take effect on 1 June 2026, meaning the PowerBall draws on 12 May and 16 May 2026 will be the final two under the current operator. This change is part of a broader shift in South Africa’s lottery landscape, with Sizekhaya Holdings poised to introduce new games, formats, and potentially different rules and payout structures.
For players, the most immediate impact is the deadline: ticket sales for the 12 May draw close at 20:30 on the day of the draw. After that, it’s a waiting game—literally. The draw takes place at 20:58, and results are announced shortly thereafter.
How to Play and What You Need to Know
Playing PowerBall and PowerBall Plus is simple: choose five numbers between 1 and 50, plus a PowerBall number from 1 to 20. You can select your numbers manually or opt for a Quick Pick, which randomly generates your numbers. Adding PowerBall Plus for R2.50 gives you an extra chance to win the R86 million jackpot, making it the most cost-effective way to maximize your potential winnings.
Tickets can be purchased in-store at any licensed retailer or digitally through the banking apps of FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Absa, and Capitec. Alternatively, you can use an ITHUBA online account or mobile app. However, it’s important to note that ITHUBA’s accounts will close on 31 May 2026, so any online purchases must be made before then.
Winning and Claiming Your Prize
If you’re lucky enough to win, claiming your prize is a straightforward process, but We find strict rules to follow. You must produce your winning ticket with the correct serial number, or have a winning SMS or email confirmation. No one under the age of 18 can win, and you must present a valid proof of identity and have a South African bank account that is not older than three months. Winnings must be claimed within 365 days of the draw date.
The method of claiming your prize depends on the amount you win:
- Up to R2,000: Can be claimed at any retail store where you purchased your ticket.
- R10,000 to R49,999: Must be claimed at an Approved Prize Payment Centre (APPC).
- R50,000 to R249,999: Can be claimed via EFT at participating banks, except African Bank, which pays out up to R49,999.
- Over R250,000: Must be claimed in person at an ITHUBA office.
What Happens After 12 May 2026?
After the 12 May draw, only one more PowerBall draw remains under ITHUBA on 16 May 2026. On 1 June 2026, Sizekhaya Holdings will take over as the national lottery operator, introducing a new era for South Africa’s lottery games. While the specifics of Sizekhaya’s offerings are not yet finalized, players can expect changes to the format, rules, and potentially the games themselves. For now, the focus remains on the final draws under ITHUBA, with the R164 million jackpot serving as a fitting farewell to the current format.
For those who prefer smaller odds, the Lotto and Lotto Plus games offer slightly better chances, with odds of 1 in 40,310,358 for Lotto. However, the allure of PowerBall’s massive jackpot remains unmatched, even as the economy forces many to consider the risks carefully.
The Bottom Line
The R164 million PowerBall jackpot on 12 May 2026 is a rare opportunity for South African lottery players, but it’s also a reminder of the slim odds and the importance of responsible play. As the country prepares for a new chapter in its lottery history, this draw represents both a dream and a deadline. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a first-timer, now is the time to decide: will you take a chance on the final ITHUBA PowerBall draw?
For the latest official updates, including draw results and Sizekhaya’s transition plans, visit the National Lottery website or the SA Lotto results page.
Disclaimer: Playing the lottery should be treated as entertainment and not as a financial strategy. The odds of winning the top prize are extremely low, and the house always wins in the long run. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available from organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous South Africa.
What are your chances? Will you be playing the 12 May draw? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
