Some of 2021’s most interesting lottery wins in South Africa
The year brought new lottery winners. Where are they from and what makes their wins interesting?
The end of one year or the start of another is an opportune time to reflect on the good fortune of others. This is exemplified by South Africans, far and wide, who have won big in the Powerball or Lotto draws that happened throughout 2021.
There were a good few of them, but some resonated more than others – and their wins and celebrations are remembered and highlighted here.
In February-March, there was the R51 million winner in the Lotto. The aspiring social worker admitted to being a bit in shock at the time, but also kept his eye on the eventual prize of formally qualifying and doing good for others.
“Winning this money does not mean that I must abandon my dream qualification – it was never just about me,” said the Polokwane man.
“I want to be able to offer effective and sustainable assistance to my community, and getting the social work qualification will help me do just that.”
In August-September, an unemployed mother from North West landed a hefty R158 million in the Powerball. The money couldn’t have come at a better time for the humble mum. She had entered the draw hours before it happened.
“I’m still in disbelief, overwhelmed yet very excited that I’m the R158 million PowerBall jackpot winner. I lost my job last year,” she said.
“The winning numbers keep replaying in my mind. I’ve been playing the same numbers across PowerBall and Lotto games for a while now.
“On Tuesday, I missed the live draw show for some odd reason, so I decided to check the draw results on my Absa banking app and I had the shock of my life.”
In April-May, a Cape Town man revealed some rather intriguing and interesting plans after winning R56 million in the SA Powerball.
He, like many others around the country, chose to enter their lottery numbers manually rather than via the quick-selection option. This selection of digits frequently centre around landmark days and dates in the lives of those who enter the draws.
“I’ve played the same numbers since November last year. Each number represents a significant date in my life. We want to find the perfect plot of land to build our dream home and finally, to invest a significant portion of our winnings,” he said.
“But first on my list of priorities is to exhume the bodies of my loved ones that have been laid to rest in other provinces and surrounding cemeteries in the Western Cape that are no longer well maintained, this will allow for me to secure a peaceful and final resting place for my family members.”
Also in August-September, a man from Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape went for the Powerball Plus draw and landed R11 million for his efforts to be among triumphant past Lotto results.
He bought two tickets with the same numbers and won the whole jackpot. Talk about doubling your luck. He spent R240 on one ticket and R150 on another and used the manual selection on both occasions. Such a delightful combination, indeed.
