KZN man wins lottery

After living off R750 a month, a KwaZulu-Natal man has become a multi-millionaire after winning the lottery.

The man, 54, won close to R6.5 million after buying a R20 ticket for the January 19 draw, spokeswoman for national lottery operator Gidani, Thembi Tulwana, said in a statement on Wednesday.

"When he visited a nearby shop that sells lottery tickets after the draw, he discovered that he had matched the winning numbers... He later hid his ticket in his shoe for safe keeping."

The new millionaire, who did odd jobs to get by, said the first person he told of the winnings was his cousin.

Despite his rise to riches, the man told Lotto officials he wanted to keep his simple lifestyle and build a house for his children.

"He would also be able to relocate his children, who are currently residing in KZN, to join him in Johannesburg, where they would be able to go to some of the best schools," said Tulwana.

The man said he had dreams that he would one day win the game, and always played the same numbers.

"Sighing with great relief, he told the advisers that this money has come at the right time," said Tulwana.

A second winner for the same draw had yet to come forward and claim their prize.

The winning numbers for the draw were seven, 15, 23, 28, 29, 49 and the bonus ball was two.

The winning numbers for the lotto plus draw were 13, 18, 23, 27, 32, 46 and the bonus ball 22. 

- SAPA