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The lotto jackpot prize would be R25 million this coming weekend, national lottery operator Gidani said on Friday.
"The aim of this is to ensure that lucky punters overcome their financial woes if they correctly match the six winning numbers on Saturday," spokeswoman Thembi Tulwana said.
"January is the month associated with huge debts due to the massive spending during the preceding festive holidays. Winning this weekend's prize will therefore be an ideal way for the players to start the New Year," she said.
Tulwana said the lotto had turned more than 380 people into millionaires since 2007. The competition had also raised funds for good causes amounting to more than R6 billion.
"We urge punters to check their old tickets again as prizes amounting to more than R25 million are still to be claimed," Tulwana said.
"These winnings will be forfeited if ticket holders fail to claim them within the specified 365-day period."
The announcement of the R25 million prize comes as protesters from several non-profit organisations were marching on the National Lotteries Board in Arcadia in Pretoria on Friday to hand over a memorandum protesting at the way the board allocated grants and what they say is its lack of transparency. (Sapa)
