“Very Good Ancestors”: SA Surprised After KZN Woman Wins R5.3m Using Old Numbers on Lotto

• A KwaZulu-Natal woman won R5.3 million by using the Lotto numbers her late father used before he passed away
• She only spent R5 on the winning ticket and plans to invest a significant portion of her winnings
• Many South African social media users congratulated the woman and credited her ancestors for her millions of blessings
• Briefly News contacted a financial and homeownership advisor, who shared the best investment options for the young woman to grow and protect her winnings

A young woman from KwaZulu-Natal was one of two people securing millions after playing the National Lottery. Her winning method had many South Africans believing in the power of ancestors.

R5.3 million Lotto prize

The anonymous winner, who is said to be in her 20s, split the R10.6 million jackpot from the 12 February 2025 draw after she bought her ticket from a Shoprite centre in Melmoth. Surprisingly, she only spent R5, which put R5.3 million in her pocket.

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After losing both her parents and taking responsibility for her younger siblings, the woman placed her faith in Lotto numbers her late father used, which she saw on an old ticket. She never expected the rewarding outcome.

The six winning numbers, in numerical order, were the following:

• 3
• 9
• 23
• 41
• 42
• 48
• 39 (bonus ball)

The National Lottery shared on its X account the dividends for the 12 February Lotto draw.

Take a look at the X post below:

Charmain Mabuza, the CEO of Ithuba (the privately owned operator of the National Lottery), congratulated the winner and shared the company was happy to play a part in changing the woman and her family's lives for the better.

The young woman, who made use of Ithuba's financial advisory services, stated that she would prioritise ensuring the cash would be beneficial for her loved ones, adding:

"The financial guidance I received has been invaluable, and I plan to invest a significant portion of my winnings."

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Investment options to consider

Homeownership and financial advisor Andrea Carr shared with Briefly News that the best way for people to invest their winnings is to secure their financial future while allowing their money to grow.

Andrea advised the following:

• Don't rush into any big decisions. Open a high-interest savings account while working out the best way to invest or spend the money. Look at a notice account (for example, a 32-day notice), which 'locks' your money for a contracted notice period, saving you from making spontaneous decisions.
• Clear your expensive debt first. For example, high-interest debts, or paying your bond.
• Hire a professional for guidance, such as a financial advisor, who can prove they are certified to give financial advice. They can also recommend an estate planner to protect your wealth for you and your family in the long term.
• Think about how much you need to keep in an easy-to-access emergency fund.
• Think about whether you have business plans or ideas in which you could invest some (not all) of your winnings.
• Think about whether you want to financially give back through donations.

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The financial advisor states that the aim if you have won a large sum of money is to:

1. Live off your investments, not your winnings.
2. Keep at least 70% of your winnings invested at all times.
3. Not loan money to family and friends (unless you're okay with not getting your money back or losing relationships).
4. Get rich slowly, not fast.

Lotto winner surprises Mzansi

After hearing that the woman became a millionaire by using her deceased dad's old numbers, many local members of the online community credited the winner's ancestors.

Other people still thought the Lotto was a scam and didn't believe the woman's story.

Rochelle Ross congratulated the winner and advised her the following:

"Use that money wisely, and please stay away from the smooth talkers and vultures. May God give you the wisdom to manage and handle your fortune."

Craig Matwa told the online community:

"These ones have very good ancestors."

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Relo wrote in the comment section:

"My ancestors should see what other people's ancestors are doing for them."

Florence Tsaoane said to social media users:

"Her dad fought for her beyond the grave."

Nthabie Wa Fentse asked the public:

"Who said ancestors are demons?"

Sammy Tau Merakeng boldly stated:

"Even if you write sad or touching stories about the winners, I won't play Lotto. Imagine playing against a supercomputer."

Alieshia Beharie added in the comments:

"Why are the Lotto stories always so extravagant? Extravagant to the point that they’re unbelievable. It’s like it’s always dirt poor people who won or those who did something special with the hope of winning. It’s very far-fetched."

3 Other Lotto stories

• In another article, Briefly News reported about an American man who shared the numbers he predicted for South Africa's PowerBall which took place on 18 February.
• A local man who appeared on the show I Blew It shared how he managed to blow over R17 million of his monetary Lotto prize.
• In mid-February, Ithuba shared that it was looking for the lucky person who won R4 million, which South Africans humorously tried to claim.

Source: Briefly News