‘I always believed I’d win’: Jobless man hits R19.4 million Lotto jackpot

AN UNEMPLOYED man has struck it rich, walking away with a staggering R19.4 million Lotto Plus 2 jackpot from the July 9, 2025, draw — all thanks to a simple R30 ticket purchased via a banking app, the National Lottery Ithuba has confirmed.

IOL reported that the life-changing win left the lucky player in disbelief. “I have always believed I would win one day, and now it has finally happened,” he said. The reality only sank in after a double-check. “I found out I had won through my bank and checked the results on the National Lottery app, and I was shocked.”

After sharing the news with his wife, the winner said he plans to use the money to build a better future — not just for himself, but for others too. “I plan on helping a former colleague who holds a special place in my heart,” he said.

Beyond helping others, he hopes to invest wisely to secure a sustainable income and enjoy some of life’s simple pleasures — like peaceful walks on the beach. He also intends to give back to the community by donating a portion of his winnings to charity. “I believe in giving back,” he said.

Charmaine Mabuza, CEO of Ithuba, praised the winner’s plans. “It’s inspiring to see a winner who is committed to transforming not only his own life but also the lives of those around him; his family, friends, and community. When managed wisely, a multimillion-rand jackpot win can rewrite the future for many people.”

The anonymous winner’s story shows how fortune can strike when you least expect it — and how one win can ripple far beyond the bank balance.