‘There will be no Ferraris’: Woman from Florida, Joburg claims R126m PowerBall prize

A woman from Florida, Johannesburg finally stepped forward and claimed the R126 million PowerBall jackpot won on Friday, 20 May. The lucky winner said she usually plays lottery games twice a week and never spends more than R50 on tickets.

MASSIVE POWERBALL JACKPOT CLAIMED

According to national lottery operator, Ithuba, the PowerBall winner is an active sports person and was unaware that she had struck lucky until a fellow runner told her that someone had won the R126 million PowerBall jackpot.

“After playing, I kept my ticket in my purse, where I had 3 other tickets as well,” said the winner. The first three tickets had no winnings but as luck would have it the fourth ticket was golden.

“I believe the spirit of gratitude and giving, is what has landed me here at this point in my life. I am yet to digest the news, I need time to re-evaluate the situation and apply my mind.

“When I found out that I had won, I was in complete disbelief, and I felt elated. Reality is only sinking in now that I am here at the ITHUBA Offices,” said the Johannesburg woman.

The woman said she intends to keep a low profile, adding that she and her partner are conservative. “…we are not splashy big spenders, so there will be no Ferraris.”

‘CURRENT LIVING SITUATION NOT IDEAL’

The winner said they have been looking for property for a while and the winnings will help fast track the process.

“…our current living situation right now, is not ideal,” she said. The winner looks forward to having a home with a garden and enough space to entertain guests.

“We will definitely travel the world as well, once the dust has settled, a portion of these winnings will also go towards supporting an NGO of my choice.”