The ITHUBA drew the winning numbers for South Africa’s National Lottery South Africa on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, sending shockwaves through communities from Cape Town to Durban. The Lotto jackpot soared to R16 million — the biggest prize in months — with the numbers 02, 10, 22, 43, 45, 53 and a Bonus Ball of 06. No one matched all six, meaning the jackpot rolls over again. But here’s the thing: thousands walked away with smaller wins, and for many, even R500 felt like a lifeline in a country where unemployment still hovers near 33%.
How the Draw Worked — And Why It Matters
Since the 2017 format change South Africa, the National Lottery has drawn six numbers from a pool of 52, up from the old 49-ball system. That tweak made the odds of hitting the jackpot drop from 1 in 13.9 million to 1 in 20.3 million — harder, yes, but it also pushed jackpots higher. The Bonus Ball, drawn separately, only matters if you get five of the six main numbers. That’s how someone in Pretoria won R1.2 million last week — just one number away from the big prize.On this night, ITHUBA also released the results for Lotto Plus 1 (23, 34, 37, 44, 45, 56 + Bonus Ball 13) and Lotto Plus 2 (17, 32, 42, 53, 54, 56 + Bonus Ball 40). Each has its own prize pool — R14 million and R11 million respectively — and each was drawn from the same machines, seconds apart, under strict security protocols witnessed by independent auditors.
Official Channels, Verified Results
There was no confusion this time. The results were published simultaneously on the National Lottery’s official site (za.national-lottery.com), @sa_lottery’s verified Twitter account (using the hashtag #PhandaPushaPlay), and by major outlets like Eyewitness News (EWN) and The South African. Even third-party sites like lottonumbers.com mirrored the same data — no discrepancies, no rumors. That’s rare in a space where fake winning number posts circulate daily.“We’ve had cases where people lost money chasing fake numbers,” said Thandi Mokoena, a financial literacy coach in Soweto. “When Ithuba publishes the same numbers everywhere, it’s not just transparency — it’s trust.”
Who Plays — And Why
The lottery isn’t just for dreamers. It’s a cultural ritual. In townships, buying a ticket is often part of the weekly budget — sometimes R10, sometimes R50. A 2024 survey by the South African Institute of Race Relations found that 68% of low-income households bought at least one lottery ticket monthly. For many, it’s not gambling — it’s hope with a receipt.“I buy one every Wednesday,” said Mpho Khumalo, a school cleaner from Soweto. “I don’t expect to win. But if I do? My daughter’s school fees are paid. My mother’s meds. That’s the real jackpot.”
ITHUBA offers a “Quick Pick” option — random numbers generated at the point of sale — which 57% of players now use, according to their internal data. The company also promotes responsible play with the standard disclaimer: “Players must be 18 years or older, play responsibly.” That message appears on every ticket, every website, every social post.
What Happens Next — And When
The next draw is scheduled for Saturday, 1 November 2025. With no jackpot winner this week, the Lotto prize will roll over again, likely pushing past R20 million. That’s when the real frenzy begins — ticket sales spike by nearly 40% when jackpots hit that level. ITHUBA has already confirmed that the draw will proceed as normal, with live streaming on YouTube and radio updates across SABC, Metro FM, and Ukhozi FM.Historical data from PortalSeven.com shows that jackpots over R15 million tend to roll over two or three times before being claimed. The last time the Lotto hit R20 million? April 2024 — won by a group of five coworkers from Bloemfontein who pooled their R10 tickets every week for 18 months.
Behind the Scenes: How ITHUBA Keeps It Fair
The draw isn’t just a numbers game — it’s a high-security operation. Two independent auditors are present. The balls are weighed and measured before each draw. Cameras record every angle. The machines are stored in a vault with biometric access. Results are encrypted and sent to all platforms simultaneously. No one — not even ITHUBA staff — knows the numbers until the draw begins.“It’s not magic,” said retired auditor Dr. Naledi Nkosi, who oversaw draws from 2008 to 2015. “It’s math. It’s physics. And it’s accountability.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim my prize if I bought a ticket outside South Africa?
No. Only tickets purchased within South Africa through authorized retailers or the official National Lottery website are valid. ITHUBA requires proof of purchase with a physical or digital receipt bearing the official barcode and timestamp. International purchases, even if made online, are not honored under South African gambling law.
How long do I have to claim my winnings?
You have 365 days from the draw date to claim any prize. After that, unclaimed funds go to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, which supports community projects like sports facilities and education programs. Many small winners don’t realize they’ve won — especially if they lost the ticket — so checking results online is crucial.
What happens if multiple people match all six numbers?
The jackpot is split equally among all winning tickets. In 2023, a R12 million prize was shared by three winners in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pietermaritzburg. Each received R4 million after tax. ITHUBA doesn’t disclose winner identities unless they choose to go public — privacy is protected by law.
Are lottery winnings taxed in South Africa?
No. Under South African law, lottery prizes are considered capital gains, not income, and are exempt from income tax. This includes all levels of prizes — from R5 to R20 million. However, if you invest your winnings and earn interest or dividends, those earnings are taxable. Many winners consult financial advisors before making big purchases.
Why did ITHUBA change the ball range from 49 to 52?
The change in July 2017 was designed to grow jackpots faster by making the odds slightly harder — from 1 in 13.9 million to 1 in 20.3 million. This encouraged bigger rollovers, which boosted ticket sales and increased funds raised for good causes. Since then, the National Lottery has contributed over R11 billion to education, sports, and arts projects nationwide.
How do I know the draw isn’t rigged?
The draw is independently audited by two firms registered with the National Gambling Board. The machines are sealed and tested before each draw. Results are published across multiple platforms simultaneously — including government sites and news outlets — with no delay. Any tampering would be immediately detectable. Over 25 years, there has never been a verified case of fraud.