Western Cape woman claims R834k Lotto win on final day after ignoring calls– here’s what happened
South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo Credit- Polity.org
A woman from South Africa’s Western Cape has narrowly escaped losing more than R834,000 in Lotto winnings after unknowingly ignoring repeated phone calls on the very last day her ticket was eligible for payout.
The emotional moment unfolded on a day already heavy with meaning. The woman had attended a funeral earlier that morning and had no idea that, within hours, her life was about to change dramatically.
“I went from mourning a loved one to being told I had won over R800,000 on the same day,” she recalled. “It was overwhelming, emotional, and completely unexpected.”
The winning ticket was purchased on February 5, 2025, via the Absa banking app, using the quick-pick option. The player placed a R600 wager, unaware that the numbers she randomly selected would eventually secure her a life-changing sum.
Like all National Lottery tickets, the prize was subject to a one-year claim period, meaning it was set to expire exactly 12 months later — on Thursday.
According to lottery operator Ithuba, efforts were made throughout the day to contact the winner as the deadline loomed. Her phone rang repeatedly, eventually showing more than 30 missed calls.
But she didn’t answer.
The reason? A growing distrust of unknown numbers.
“I’ve become used to ignoring calls I don’t recognize,” she explained. “So many of them are automated messages, scams or robocalls.”
It wasn’t until she finally picked up one call that reality began to sink in. On the line was Ithuba, urgently informing her that her Lotto ticket was expiring that very day and that she needed to report to an Ithuba office immediately to claim her winnings.
Initially, she was sceptical.
“I thought it had to be a scam,” she said. “Even my husband didn’t believe it was real.”
She later shared that shortly after taking communion at the funeral, she felt an unusual sense of calm and peace — a moment that, in hindsight, she now finds deeply symbolic.
Having retired about 18 months ago, the winner says the timing of the win feels especially significant. She plans to use the money wisely: renovating her home, clearing the remaining balance on her car, and treating her husband, whom she credits as a constant pillar of support since her retirement.
Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza described the incident as one of the most remarkable stories the operator has encountered.
“This is truly one of the most extraordinary winner experiences we’ve had — and we’ve seen many over the years,” Mabuza said.
FAQ
Q: How long do you have to claim Lotto winnings in South Africa?
A: Lotto winners have 12 months from the draw date to claim their prize before the ticket expires.
Q: Can Ithuba contact Lotto winners directly?
A: Yes, if tickets are linked to banking apps or player profiles, Ithuba may attempt to contact winners before tickets expire.
Q: What happens if a Lotto ticket is not claimed?
A: Unclaimed prizes are returned to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund for good causes.