Durban – A father in his 50s from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, has claimed the R69.2 million PowerBall Plus jackpot from Tuesday’s draw after spending R45 on a manually selected ticket.
The winner described the experience as surreal, calling it both a dream come true and a generational blessing.
Having raised his family in rented homes, he now plans to buy a house for himself and ensure his children own homes after completing their studies.
“The burden of children having to take care of their parents while they only start attending to their own basic needs later in life ends with me. In my 50s, my wife and I have been raising our children in a rented home all our lives. Now, we can finally own a home of our own, and I want to make sure my children will also have houses once they complete their studies and start working.”
He also wants his children to pursue education and careers without the burden of supporting their parents too early.
“They must have the freedom to build the lives they want without the weight of providing for us, like I had to. Education will be their foundation, and I’ll make sure of that,” he said.
The man intends to spoil his 80-year-old mother with a 5-star hotel stay, travel with his wife locally and internationally, and preserve the winnings through investments.
“There is nothing more I can do for her now, but one thing I’ve always wished for is to take her to a 5-star hotel. She deserves that experience, and I know she will love it.”
Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza praised his long-term vision, saying it reflects the lottery’s goal of creating lasting, life-changing impact.
Winners of over R250,000 must claim through Ithuba, and those above R50,000 receive free financial and trauma counselling.
All lottery winnings in South Africa are tax-free.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
