'Packing our bags': Pensioner who won R12 million Lotto Plus jackpot heading to the Coast to retire

A SOUTH African pensioner who bagged R12 million in the Lotto Plus 2 jackpot plans to invest in better healthcare and retire on the coast. 

The ticket was purchased on he banking app for the April 30, 2025, draw. 

The National Lottery Ithuba said the winner spent R20 on a quick pick. 

Winning this amount of money has not only been an exciting time, but a huge financial relief. 

“My wife and I have been facing significant medical challenges, and the financial burden has been overwhelming," the winner told Ithuba.

"Now, we'll finally be able to access the quality care we need – this win couldn’t have come at a better time."

Soon after finding out that he was a multi-millionaire, the winner said he shared the news with his wife and later with his son, who he said had been caring for them "selflessly."

"My wife was completely thrilled, and my son, who’s been looking after us with such grace, driving us to all our medical appointments willingly, was just so relieved that we will finally be able to afford better healthcare.”

Speaking about how he plans on spending the golden years, the winner said they were in the process of packing their bags for a life on the Coast. 

“We are packing our bags and moving to the coast to spend the rest of our retirement there.

"I am so grateful that we will spend the golden years of our lives in peace and tranquillity."

Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza described the winner's story as "heartwarming".

"All National Lottery participants have their one big reason why they play. For this winner, he wanted to enjoy his golden years in peace without worrying about the basics. We are so glad that the jackpot will help him achieve that."