'As much as people have big plans when they play the Lotto, when they do win they need help, particularly emotionally'

702's John Perlman is joined by Naledi Msibi from Greysun Media, the communications agency for Ithuba.

Last week the R110 million Powerball jackpot was claimed by an apparently hesitant healthcare worker.

When she saw a message from her bank about winning she 'didn’t immediately comprehend it' and for a while avoided taking calls from an unknown number which would eventually confirm her bonanza.

The new multi-millionaire seemed not to fall into the trap of going on a spending spree for big-ticket items, as some lotto winners do.

While the winnings will mark a new beginning, she shared that she'll continue working 'but now I’ll do it for the love of it, not because I have to'.

To most of us, a life-changing amount of money sounds like a dream come true, but it comes with its own set of new problems.

John Perlman finds out what assistance is available for winners to not only manage their finances, but to cope with emotional upheaval.

He interviews Naledi Msibi, public relations and communications director of Greysun Media, the communications agency for Ithuba.

Msibi says the national lottery operator has a highly-trained team in place to help winners.

"As much as people would have all these big plans when they play, when the moment does come it requires some assistance, particularly psychologically and emotionally."

Naledi Msibi, PR & Comms Director - Greysun Media

The winner services team is there to ensure that lottery winners transition smoothly into their new life, Msibi says.

Key assistance is provided by vetted financial advisors and psychologists.

Winners' concerns include their own safety now that they're newly-rich, including the security of their personal information.

"It doesn't even start from their families (who might want a share of the money); it starts right at the door - they want to be assured that 'I'm received safely, my information is protected' and that's the assurance that the operator really takes seriously."

Naledi Msibi, PR & Comms Director - Greysun Media

"The service's providers of financial advice and trauma counselling, and the team staff - it's not only about giving our word, it's also about proving that we're legally obliged to protect the winners."

Naledi Msibi, PR & Comms Director - Greysun Media

Msibi also gives the assurance that anything the public reads about in the media is with the consent of the individual.

"Where the story is told of the winner, finer details that would really expose them are not revealed at all, and whatever is out in the public domain is with their approval."

Naledi Msibi, PR & Comms Director - Greysun Media

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