CAPE TOWN – The National Lottery Operator, ITHUBA, is thrilled to announce that two lucky players have struck gold in the recent LOTTO PLUS draws, both using the ABSA banking app. The LOTTO PLUS 1 and LOTTO PLUS 2 jackpots from draw number 2437 were won by participants who used the convenience and security of their ABSA digital platform.

The biggest winner, a Cape Town resident scooped the LOTTO PLUS 2 jackpot, winning an impressive R16,835,658.98. The other lucky player won the LOTTO PLUS 1 jackpot worth R12,983,575.35, and has not yet claimed their prize.

The Western Cape resident, an avid National Lottery player, secured his windfall, after playing LOTTO PLUS 2 with a R60 wager using the Quick Pick selection method on the ABSA banking app. He was ecstatic when he visited the National Lottery Western Cape office this week to collect his prize. “Words cannot describe my gratitude for this life-changing opportunity. Winning this jackpot is a dream come true, and I am immensely thankful to the National Lottery for making it possible,” he said.

The LOTTO PLUS 2 winner plans to be responsible with his newfound wealth, continuing to work and spending wisely. “I will not splurge on anything extravagant. After covering essential expenses, I plan to visit serene locations surrounded by nature, soaking in the tranquility and enjoying my newfound peace of mind,” he shared.

ITHUBA provides all winners of R50,000 and above with trauma counselling and financial advice to ensure responsible management of their winnings. Winners receive their tax-free payouts within 72 hours of a valid claim.

Charmaine Mabuza, CEO of ITHUBA, congratulated the winners: “We are delighted to see our players taking charge of their finances by making use of the expert financial advice we offer. This helps ensure the longevity of their winnings, often lasting for generations when the right financial decisions are made.”

Nick Nkosi, Managing Executive: Transactional Banking at Absa Everyday Banking said, “Congratulations to the winners! Absa has worked hard to enhance and provide cutting-edge, secure digital banking solutions for our customers to transact on their mobile devices at their convenience – anywhere, anytime. As a result, we saw a staggering surge in digital transactions to 2.7 billion - among them lottery transactions – over the past year.

Subash Sharma, Chief Digital Officer at Absa Everyday Banking added, “In 2023, we bolstered our digital banking app with the introduction of over 130 new features. As Absa continues to prioritise digital transformation to support our customers in their life journeys, because their stories matter, the bank remains dedicated to empowering customers with convenient, secure, and innovative digital banking solutions.”

Players must be 18 years or older.

In a stroke of luck, a young resident of Limpopo has become the latest National Lottery multi-millionaire after matching 6 numbers on the LOTTO draw number 2435, on Saturday 4 May, walking away with a cool R16 million jackpot. The winning ticket was purchased through the Capitec banking app, with a R10 wager and the Quick Pick selection method.

Breaking barriers with digital convenience, the lucky winner made her way to the ITHUBA offices this week to officially claim her winnings. She hails from humble beginnings in Limpopo, working as a shop assistant at a local fruit and veg retail store. Despite her newfound wealth, she remains grounded in her values, expressing her intentions to stay true to herself and her roots.

"All I have ever wanted to do was build my family a huge, beautiful house. Now I can finally do that. That is the only big thing I intend to do with this win. I will continue to work at the retail store, I will continue to live my life as I have been, this money will not change the person that I am. Only my family and I will know just how better our lives have become, thanks to the National Lottery. " shared the humble winner.

Charmaine Mabuza, CEO of ITHUBA, expressed delight at witnessing dreams materialise through the National Lottery jackpots. "It is pleasing to see dreams coming true through the National Lottery jackpots. We convey our best wishes to the winner and her family," said Mabuza.

As part of its commitment to responsible gaming, ITHUBA provides all winners of R50,000 and above with trauma counselling and financial advice, ensuring they receive their tax-free payouts within 72 hours of a valid claim. This comprehensive support system underscores the Operator’s dedication to responsible winning and ensuring that lottery windfalls are managed prudently. Players must be 18 years or older.