JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s first National Lottery draw of the new year has produced fresh excitement — and potentially new millionaires — as Ithuba confirms the official Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 winning numbers for Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Just days after South Africa celebrated a mystery Capitec mobile app user winning a massive R65 million in the final 2025 draw, anticipation has once again swept across the nation.
WINNING Lotto Numbers: 3 January 2026
Draw Results for 03/01/26
Lotto:
01, 24, 33, 34, 45, 55
Bonus: 37
Lotto Plus 1:
06, 30, 35, 36, 39, 52
Bonus: 16
Lotto Plus 2:
04, 08, 27, 33, 34, 57
Bonus: 48
Players are reminded that all National Lottery games are strictly for 18 years and older, and must be played responsibly. Ithuba remains the proud licensed operator of the National Lottery.
Strong Start to 2026 After Blockbuster 2025 Wins
South Africa continues to experience headline-making Lotto wins. Just recently, a retired Western Cape mother secured a life-changing R30 million Lotto Plus jackpot, highlighting the life-transforming potential of the game.
Meanwhile, Ithuba has also moved to dismiss myths that winners only come from certain banks — something it addressed clearly in 2025:
ALSO READ: Ithuba sets the record straight on claims that Lotto winners come from specific banks
How to Play Lotto in South Africa (For Adults 18+ Only)
For educational and informational purposes only — Lotto participation is strictly restricted to legal adult players (18+).
Here’s a responsible overview:
- Lotto: Choose six numbers from 1 to 52 — a bonus ball is drawn for secondary prizes.
- Cost: R5 per board.
- Extras: Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 can be added for R2.50 each, using the same numbers.
- Where adults can play: At authorised retailers, on the official National Lottery website, via the National Lottery mobile app, through USSD (1207529#), or on selected banking apps including Capitec, FNB, Absa, Nedbank and Standard Bank.
- Draws: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9pm.
- Always Verify: For your own safety, always confirm results on the official National Lottery website.
What Happens After a Big Win?
For adult winners exceeding R50,000, claims must be made in person at an Ithuba regional office, followed by a 48-hour validation process to ensure safety and fraud prevention.
Importantly, Ithuba provides winners with free financial and trauma counselling, a service that has already helped many major winners manage sudden wealth responsibly.
Play Responsibly
The Lottery is a game of chance. Adults are urged to:
- Set personal spending limits
- Play for entertainment, not financial rescue
- Never chase losses
- Ensure only legally eligible adults participate
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