The winning ticket, purchased through the First National Bank (FNB) banking app with a mere R90 wager, was drawn on Friday, 13 September, in draw number 1545.
ITHUBA is urging the winner to come forward and claim their prize, expressing their eagerness to meet the lucky individual.
"The winner has yet to claim this life-changing win and ITHUBA is eager to meet the lucky individual. Participants who play via banking platforms like FNB are encouraged to check their tickets and be vigilant for any notifications from their bank," said ITHUBA in a statement.
While smaller winnings below R249,000 are automatically paid into the winner's account, those who win larger amounts, such as this unclaimed jackpot, are required to visit ITHUBA's offices to claim their prize.
ITHUBA CEO, Charmaine Mabuza, expressed excitement about the potential impact this win could have on someone's life, but stressed the importance of the ticket holder stepping forward.
“We urge the winner to check their ticket and respond promptly. Banking platforms will notify winners with phone calls and SMS, but it is crucial that participants remain alert and make contact as soon as possible," Mabuza said.
ITHUBA, committed to supporting its winners, offers complimentary trauma counselling and financial advice for prizes of R50 000 and above to ensure responsible management of newfound wealth.
“All winnings are tax-free and will be paid within 72 hours of a valid claim,” ITHUBA stated.
The winning numbers for the draw were manually selected, and the mystery surrounding the winner's identity has sparked curiosity and speculation. Some have wondered if the winner is aware of their fortune, while others speculate about the reasons for the delay in claiming the prize.
The unclaimed jackpot highlights the importance of checking lottery tickets regularly, especially after playing through online platforms. While banking apps may send notifications, it is crucial for participants to remain vigilant and check their tickets for potential wins.