Can you turn R1 million into more? Here are some ideas...

Updated March 21, 2025, 7:05 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast / Skyye Ndlovu

If you won a million right now, would you go wild or would you make it work for you? This is how smart winners spend their money.

Make money grow — FotografieLink / iStock

So, you’ve just won R1 million. The confetti is falling, your phone is blowing up with “cousin” requests, and suddenly, everyone you’ve ever met wants to “catch up”.

But here’s the real question: What do you do next?

Most people would rush to buy a luxury car, take a dream vacation, or go wild at the mall. There’s nothing wrong with that, but what if you could make your money work for you instead?

Imagine turning R1 million into R10 million (or more). Here’s how the smart winners play the game.

ALSO READ: What would you do with R1 million?

Step 1: Don’t blow it all at once

First rule of winning big? Take a deep breath. Before you do anything, let your money chill in a safe account.

Give yourself time to think. The last thing you want is to become one of those “I-was-rich-for-six-months” stories.

Real-life oops: Did you know that 70% of big lottery winners go broke within a few years? That’s because they spend like there’s no tomorrow until there actually isn’t one (for their bank account). Don't be that guy.

Step 2: Invest like a boss

Now that you’ve avoided the classic “buy a Lambo and regret it” move, let’s talk about growing your money.

Here are a few ways millionaires make their cash multiply:

The stock market: Make money while you sleep

If you put R500,000 into a solid stock or ETF (exchange-traded fund), you could double or even triple your money in a few years.

Imagine making R50,000 a year just for doing nothing. That’s passive income, baby.

Pro tip: Don’t just throw money at any stock. Learn the game or get an expert to guide you.

Property investment: Own it and rent it out

Ever thought about buying property? R1 million could get you a decent apartment or a small house in many parts of SA.

Rent it out on Airbnb or to a family, and boom – you’ve got a steady monthly income. Fast forward 10 years? That property might be worth double what you paid for it.

Smart move: Buy in up-and-coming areas where property values are rising.

3. Start a business: Be your own boss

Got a great idea? R1 million could launch your own brand, whether it’s a trendy coffee shop, an online store, or a production company (we're looking at you, creatives).

Many successful businesses started with less than R1 million.

Real-life example: Ever heard of Bathu Sneakers? They started small and are now one of SA’s biggest sneaker brands. That could be you.

4. Crypto and side hustles: High risk, high reward

Some people take a small chunk (not all!) of their money and invest in crypto, NFTs, or other digital assets. It’s risky, but some have turned thousands into millions.

Just don’t YOLO all your winnings on meme coins, unless you enjoy heart attacks.

Golden rule: Never invest money you can’t afford to lose.