Unemployed Man Claims R19M Lotto Jackpot Cash Prize and Talks Plans for His Millions

Unemployed Man Claims R19M Lotto Jackpot Cash Prize and Talks Plans for His Millions

  • A man who was struggling in South Africa's job market played the lotto and it paid off in a big way
  • The lucky lotto player took a chance and trusted the process, which turned him into a millionaire in an instant
  • Relying on nothing but faith, the man matched the correct numbers for the Lotto Plus 2 Jackpot in the 9 July 2025 draw
  • Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha what steps lottery winners should take to manage their sudden wealth wisely

In a life-changing turn of events, a South African became a multi-millionaire because of the lottery. South Africa's National Lottery, Ithuba, announced that one of the two latest lotto winners to become millionaires stepped forward to claim their prize.

Unemployed man becomes millionaire
Unemployed man becomes millionaire after playing the lotto. Image: Miniseries /Flavio Coelho
Source: Getty Images

The gent relayed the touching story of perseverance that led him to become a lotto winner. He shared details of how he felt the day he realised that he was a millionaire.

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One of the latest lottery winners' R19 435 068.10 jackpot was a much-needed win as he was facing unemployment. The lotto player used a banking app, a R30 wager and the Quick Pick selection method. He believes that he became an overnight millionaire because he always believed it'd happen one day and it came true.

Even though he always thought he'd win, he said the R19 million jackpot was shocking. He found out by checking his banking app and he shared the news with his wife. The lotto winner also said he intends to generously help a former colleague who is special to him. He also wants to donate some of his winnings to different charities. For his personal goals, he said he plans to invest his millions so that they can become a source of income.

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Lotto winner plans to give to charity
A lotto winner said he will also give back to charity organisations. Image: AJ_Watt
Source: Getty Images

Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about how lottery winners can manage their sudden wealth responsibly. She said:

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"Taking a moment to pause allows for thoughtful planning—this is the perfect time to consult a financial advisor and create a financial plan outlining how the winnings will be used and how to ensure long-term financial sustainability."

South Africa applauds lotto winner

Ithub CEO Charmaine Mabuza applauded the man for the wholesome plans he has for the money. She dubbed the man an inspiration for his commitment to improving the lives of his loved ones and the community around him. She said that the man proves how many futures can change because of a generous winner. South Africans also congratulated the lottery winner, with some expressing envy over the man life-changing cash prize.

Nonhlanhla Makasamkelo Ncwane said:

"I will be the next to win, mark my words."

Collin Pillay commented:

"Lucky them, I'm next in line."

Luvuyo Vena wrote:

" 'I Blew It' Season 7 loading."

Maria Louw added:

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"Lucky them, I only win R5."

More Moremong shared:

"Last time I got five numbers and gave me R3,100 via R30 Quickpick."

Other Briefly News stories about little winners

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Rutendo Masasi avatar

Rutendo Masasi (Weekend Entertainment and Human Interest editor) Rue Masasi is a Human Interest and Entertainment writer at Briefly News who graduated with a BA (Hons) in English from Rhodes University in 2018. Rue also has 3 years of experience in journalism and over four years of experience as an online ESL teacher. She has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her via email: rutendo.masasi@briefly.co.za

Fulufhelani Mashapha avatar

Fulufhelani Mashapha (Author and Actuarial Analyst) Fulufhelani Mashapha is a qualified actuarial analyst and author of 'Mind Your Cents'. She is also a One Young World Ambassador and Personal Finance Youtuber focusing on budgets, debt, savings, insurance and investments.