He purchased his ticket via a banking app with a R60 wager.
Image: Supplied
The lucky Lotto jackpot winner of more than R10.8 million from draw number 2523 held on Wednesday has come forward to claim his life-changing prize.
With such a huge win, he shared that he intended on buying a home and had no intention of quitting his job.
He purchased his ticket via a banking app with a R60 wager, selecting his numbers manually.
Overcome with excitement, the winner shared that he had to check his ticket several times to fully believe his good fortune.
“I checked my ticket about 10 times to ensure I had really won. I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
The winner said he immediately shared the news with his wife and two of his closest friends. This windfall marks the largest amount of money he has ever won, and he plans to use his prize wisely to improve his family’s life.
First on his agenda is purchasing a comfortable, beautiful home for his family, something he believes will take a huge weight off his shoulders.
“I will not quit my job; I will continue to work, but now, I’ll do so without the anxiety of stretching every cent to meet my family’s needs,” he said.
True to his enthusiastic spirit, the winner added: “I encourage people to play the lottery. You’ll never know when your lucky day will come. I, for one, will continue to Phanda, Pusha, Play!”
Charmaine Mabuza, the CEO of Ithuba, the Operator of the National Lottery, congratulated the winner, saying: “It’s always incredibly fulfilling when a long-time player finally wins. We are delighted for the winner and wish him and his family nothing but the best as they embark on this exciting new chapter.”
All National Lottery winners have 365 days from the draw date to claim their prize. Winnings are paid out within 72 hours of a valid claim, and all National Lottery prizes are tax-free. Players can check their tickets at retail stores or view the results on the National Lottery website and social media pages.
Winners of R50 000 and above are also provided with trauma counselling and financial advice to help them manage their newfound wealth responsibly. Players must be 18 years or older.