Sandton Shopper Wins R100 Million National Lottery Jackpot

Key facts

• A R100,644,721.10 jackpot was won in draw number 2643.
• The winning ticket was bought at Checkers Hyper in Sandton City.
• The Quick Pick selection method was used to purchase the ticket.
• Ithuba, the National Lottery operator, confirmed the win.
• The jackpot is the third-highest National Lottery prize of 2026.
• LOTTO PLUS 1 offered an estimated R1.5 million prize.
• LOTTO PLUS 2 offered an estimated R4.5 million prize.
• Ticket sales closed at 20:30 on Wednesday, 06 May 2026.

Life-Changing Sum Secured

A South African shopper is set to embark on an extraordinary new chapter after securing a lottery jackpot exceeding R100 million. The staggering sum of R100,644,721.10 was confirmed by Ithuba, the operator of the South African National Lottery, following draw number 2643. This monumental win represents the third-largest National Lottery jackpot awarded in 2026, underscoring the life-altering potential of the game. Ithuba has now initiated the process of locating the fortunate ticket holder, who purchased their winning entry at a Checkers Hyper located within the bustling Sandton City shopping complex. The ticket was generated using the Quick Pick method, a system where the lottery terminal randomly selects numbers for the player. "We are excited to welcome our newest multi-millionaire and encourage every participant to check their tickets! We look forward to supporting them through this life-changing journey," stated Ithuba CEO, Charmaine Mabuza. The operator is committed to guiding the winner through the necessary steps to claim their substantial prize.

Anticipation Builds for Midweek Draw

The announcement follows a period of significant anticipation for the midweek National Lottery draw. On Wednesday, 06 May 2026, the main LOTTO jackpot was estimated at an impressive R100 million. This substantial prize pool was further augmented by additional winning opportunities through LOTTO PLUS 1, which offered an estimated R1.5 million, and LOTTO PLUS 2, with an estimated R4.5 million. These combined jackpots created a powerful incentive for players across the nation, presenting multiple avenues for individuals to potentially achieve financial transformation. The allure of such significant sums has long been a draw for South Africans, fostering a collective sense of hope and possibility. "With high-value jackpots on offer, the National Lottery continues to create meaningful opportunities for South Africans to dream bigger and take action towards a multi-million status. good luck Mzansi!" Charmaine Mabuza, Ithuba CEO, remarked. The lottery operator highlighted its role in facilitating such life-changing events for its participants.

The Mechanics of the Win

The winning ticket's journey began at the Checkers Hyper in Sandton City, a prominent retail location within one of Johannesburg's most affluent districts. The choice of the Quick Pick selection method suggests the winner opted for random number generation rather than selecting their own numbers. This particular win stands out not only for its magnitude but also for its ranking within the year's lottery successes. As the third-highest jackpot of 2026, it signifies a considerable payout that will undoubtedly reshape the winner's future. Participants were reminded of the importance of adding LOTTO PLUS 1 and LOTTO PLUS 2 to their tickets to maximise their chances of winning across the various prize tiers. Ticket sales for the draw concluded precisely at 20:30 on the evening of Wednesday, 06 May 2026, marking the cutoff for entries.

Daily Lotto's Enduring Appeal

While the R100 million jackpot captures headlines, the Daily Lotto continues to engage a broad segment of the South African population. This game, characterized by its nightly draws, has become an ingrained part of daily routines for many. The Daily Lotto requires players to select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 36. For Wednesday, 6 May 2026, specific numbers—19, 23, 28, 32, and 36—were highlighted as "hot numbers." These were identified through a combination of historical draw frequency analysis and an assessment of public sentiment, often gauged through social media discussions. While the operator emphasizes that no prediction can guarantee a win, the exploration of such trends adds an element of engagement for enthusiasts. The balanced spread of the predicted numbers across the available range reflects a common strategy among players who aim for comprehensive coverage of the number pool.

Accessibility and Future Opportunities

Ithuba provides multiple channels for purchasing lottery tickets, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of participants. These options include purchasing tickets in-store at various retail outlets, directly through the National Lottery website, and via major banking platforms. This large jackpot win serves as a potent reminder of the National Lottery's capacity to generate significant wealth and create life-changing moments for individuals. The operator's commitment to facilitating these opportunities remains a core aspect of its mission. As the search for the R100 million winner commences, the National Lottery continues to offer regular draws and substantial prizes, promising further chances for South Africans to test their luck and pursue their dreams.

The bottom line

• A single ticket purchased in Sandton City won the R100.6 million National Lottery jackpot.
• The winning ticket was bought using the Quick Pick method at Checkers Hyper.
• This prize ranks as the third-largest National Lottery jackpot of 2026.
• The draw took place on Wednesday, 06 May 2026, with ticket sales closing at 20:30.
• Ithuba, the National Lottery operator, is now seeking to identify and assist the winner.
• Additional jackpots were available through LOTTO PLUS 1 and LOTTO PLUS 2 in the same draw.