The winner of the R40 million Lotto Plus 1 jackpot from the December 28, 2024, draw has officially claimed her prize, marking a life-changing moment for the fortunate ticket holder. The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, came forward on January 3, 2025, after what she described as an agonizing few days of excitement and anticipation. “I have not been able to eat since Saturday, December 28, with excitement,” she confessed to National Lottery Ithuba.
After checking the winning ticket at a retail store in Port Elizabeth, the woman was advised that the amount was too large for the store to process and was directed to the nearest Ithuba office. Overwhelmed with anxiety during the waiting period, she kept the ticket safely tucked away in her diary, wrapped in toilet paper to ensure its safety. “I eventually phoned the call centre and subsequently visited the Ithuba office where I learned that I was R40 million richer,” she said, still processing the magnitude of her newfound fortune.
With the win now confirmed, the woman expressed her intent to use the money in a meaningful way. “When you are blessed, it is your duty to become a blessing to others,” she shared, outlining her plans to help others with her windfall. This sentiment aligns with Ithuba’s ethos of promoting responsible and positive use of lottery winnings.
Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza expressed her excitement about the win, calling it a “landmark moment” to close out a year that had seen several notable jackpots. “We are thrilled to celebrate Lotto Plus 1 to wrap up 2024. The year was marked by phenomenal jackpots, and this win is a landmark moment to have closed the year on a high note,” Mabuza said.
In addition to offering life-changing prizes, Ithuba provides winners of R50,000 and above with free trauma counseling and financial advice, ensuring that they are supported as they navigate their new circumstances. All winnings are paid out within 72 hours of a valid claim, and, as is customary with National Lottery winnings, the money is tax-free. To participate, players must be 18 years or older.
This win highlights the extraordinary potential of the Lotto Plus 1 draw, offering more than just financial gain, but also the opportunity for winners to make a positive impact on their communities.
