PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results: Friday 2 January 2026 have officially been released, sparking excitement across South Africa as the first major multi-million rand draw of the new year takes place. With a staggering R143 million jackpot total combined across both draws, thousands of hopeful players have been checking their tickets to see if they’ve become South Africa’s newest millionaires. If you missed the live draw at 9:00 PM, we have the complete breakdown of the winning numbers and prize estimates right here.
R143 Million Jackpot: The First Big Win of 2026
The National Lottery jackpots 2026 season has started with a massive bang. On Friday, 2 January, the main PowerBall draw offered a life-changing R126 million guaranteed jackpot, while the PowerBall Plus draw added an estimated R17 million to the prize pool.
The massive R126 million figure in the main draw is the result of several consecutive rollovers throughout December, making it one of the most anticipated Friday 2 January results in recent history. As the cost of living continues to be a topic of discussion in South Africa, a windfall of this magnitude would offer a lucky winner complete financial freedom.
Winning Numbers for Friday, 2 January 2026
The wait is over. Here are the PowerBall Plus winning numbers and the main PowerBall set for the draw conducted on Friday evening:
PowerBall Results
The main draw numbers required to secure the R126 million prize are:
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Winning Numbers: 17, 18, 35, 38, 39
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Powerball: 09
PowerBall Plus Results
If you opted into the Plus draw for an extra R2.50, check these numbers:
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Winning Numbers: 02, 22, 29, 36, 43
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Powerball: 03
Note: Always refresh your browser to ensure you are viewing the most updated PowerBall results South Africa. While we strive for 100% accuracy, we recommend verifying these numbers on the official National Lottery website or at an authorized retailer.
How to Check Your Results and Claim Prizes?
Checking the PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results: Friday 2 January 2026 is the first step, but what happens if you actually win?
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Small Prizes (up to R2,000): Most authorized lottery retailers can pay out winnings up to R2,000 in cash.
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Medium Prizes (R2,001 to R50,000): These must usually be claimed at a registered post office or a National Lottery regional office.
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Large Jackpots (Over R50,000): If you are the lucky winner of the R143 million jackpot or any portion of it over R50,000, you must visit one of ITHUBA’s regional offices. Winners are provided with free financial and trauma counseling to help manage their new wealth.
Ticket Validation
Your ticket is the only proof of your win. If you played via a banking app (FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, ABSA, Capitec, etc.), your winnings are usually credited automatically to your account for smaller amounts. For larger wins, the bank will contact you directly to facilitate the claim through ITHUBA.
Historical Context: 2025 Rollovers
The journey to these Friday 2 January results began in late 2025. Throughout November and December, the PowerBall jackpot remained elusive, rolling over week after week. This built the massive R126 million guaranteed pool we see today. Historically, January is a popular month for lottery participation in South Africa, often referred to as “Janu-worry” due to the financial strain following the holidays. A win today would certainly solve those concerns for any lucky ticket holder.
How Much Does it Cost to Play?
Playing the South African PowerBall remains one of the most affordable ways to dream big.
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PowerBall Entry: R5.00 per board.
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PowerBall Plus Entry: An additional R2.50 per board.
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Total for both: R7.50 per board.
The National Lottery jackpots 2026 are accessible to anyone over the age of 18. Sales close at 8:30 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays, so ensure you get your tickets early for the next draw if the jackpot rolls over again.
Summary of Results
| Draw Type | Winning Numbers | Powerball | Estimated Jackpot |
| PowerBall | 17, 18, 35, 38, 39 | 09 | R126 Million |
| PowerBall Plus | 02, 22, 29, 36, 43 | 03 | R17 Million |
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Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results: Thursday, 1 January 2026
Conclusion
The PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results: Friday 2 January 2026 have set a high bar for the rest of the year. Whether you won a small division prize or are currently holding the R126 million ticket, the thrill of the draw remains a staple of South African culture. Remember to sign the back of your physical ticket and keep it in a safe place.
Mainstream Media Coverage
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The Citizen: PowerBall Results: Friday, 2 January 2026
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The South African: Breaking: Check your PowerBall and PowerBall Plus numbers here
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National Lottery (ITHUBA): Official Draw 1682 Results
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