From ambulances to engagement sprees: the oddest ways SA Lotto winners spent their millions

South African Lotto winners have sometimes followed life-changing jackpots with purchases that raise eyebrows. A roundup of unusual spending choices, compiled from reporting by The South African, highlights a string of surprising buys and personal decisions made after big wins.

Striking purchases and personal choices

Some winners used their windfalls on striking, impractical or deeply personal items. According to The South African, these decisions range from luxury cars bought quickly after a win to a high-value outlay on following a sports team.

Ambulance among vehicle purchases

According to The South African, Keletso Motati received R1.7 million from the Road Accident Fund and then won the PowerBall as well, bringing his total to R4.3 million. The South African reports that Motati bought five vehicles, and one of those purchases was an ambulance. The ambulance purchase was shown on an episode of “I Blew It,” according to the same report.

Cars bought before the basics

According to The South African, a winner named Fananyana bought a Golf GTI worth R250,000 within a day of receiving his R17.4 million prize despite not knowing how to drive. The South African reports that Fananyana later bought three houses, five trucks and eight more cars.

Upkeep forces sales

According to The South African, another winner, Thabo, followed a similar pattern on a smaller scale and eventually sold a minibus and a Golf GTI when he could no longer afford their upkeep.

Spending driven by passion and relationships

According to The South African, Boikie spent close to R500,000 simply following his soccer team. The South African also reports that Keletso became engaged to multiple women during the period in which he was buying vehicles.

Takeaway for future winners

These accounts illustrate how quickly large sums can be spent on surprising items and personal choices. According to The South African, such stories act as a reminder that sudden wealth does not automatically ensure long-term financial security, and many financial advisers recommend taking time and seeking independent advice before making major purchases.

Daily Lotto results note

According to The South African, the outlet delivers Lotto, PowerBall and Daily Lotto results every day of the week and advises readers to check back at 21:00 for that night’s results.