Imagine picking up your phone and hearing your bank say, “Congratulations, you just became a multi-millionaire.”
That’s exactly what happened to a South African man who now finds himself R39 million richer—thanks to a lucky R200 bet on the Lotto.
Second Winner Steps Forward to Claim His R39 Million Share
ITHUBA, the official operator of South Africa’s National Lottery, has confirmed that the second winner of the massive R78,977,677.80 Lotto jackpot from the 18 June 2025 draw has finally come forward.
His prize? A cool R39,488,838.90—half of the total jackpot.
This winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, placed his bet using the Standard Bank banking app and let fate decide the numbers with a Quick Pick.
The winning numbers for draw number 2551 were 10, 13, 27, 30, 38, 39, with 16 as the bonus ball.
“It Feels Absolutely Surreal,” Says the Lucky Winner
The newly minted millionaire says he discovered the news in the most unexpected way—a phone call from his bank.
At first, it felt unreal. But now, he’s embracing the moment.
“I just found out, and it feels absolutely surreal,” he said.
A panel beater by profession, he explained that although he plays the Lotto regularly, he never imagined actually hitting the jackpot.
“Even though I’ve been playing for years, it always seemed like something that happened to other people.
But I kept the hope alive—and now here I am!”
From Work Overalls to Wealth: Sharing the Joy
The first thing he did after learning the news? Call his wife.
He says the money will help transform their lives, but he’s approaching his win with a calm and grounded mindset.
“I don’t have a detailed plan yet,” he admitted, “but I definitely want to invest wisely and give back to a charitable cause.”
He’s also looking forward to having the freedom to enjoy his hobbies, like riding his motorbike.
“This win gives me the time and space to enjoy my passions like never before.”
The First Winner Already Collected Her Share
Earlier in the week, the first jackpot winner—a woman from Johannesburg—also claimed her prize.
She had purchased her winning ticket at a Day and Night Superstore for just R30 and also relied on Quick Pick numbers.
Between the two of them, the nearly R79 million prize has now been split.
ITHUBA Offers More Than Just a Payout
ITHUBA’s CEO, Charmaine Mabuza, celebrated the news, saying, “Both winners have finally come forward, and we couldn’t be happier for them.”
She emphasized the importance of not only playing responsibly, but also winning responsibly.
That’s why ITHUBA connects jackpot winners with certified financial advisors—to ensure the windfall doesn’t disappear in a flash.
“This new financial reality can be overwhelming,” Mabuza said.
“That’s why we walk with winners through every step of their journey.”
No Taxes, One Year to Claim, and More Prizes to Win
One important reminder: all National Lottery winnings in South Africa are tax-free, and winners have 365 days from the draw date to claim their prizes.
ITHUBA also provides financial guidance to anyone who wins R50,000 or more.
And if you think you might be a winner—check those tickets! You can do so in-store or online through the National Lottery website and social media platforms.
Plenty of smaller division prizes are still unclaimed.
What Would You Do With R39 Million?
If you woke up a multi-millionaire tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do? Buy a house? Travel the world? Or maybe give your car a serious upgrade?