Pretoria Petrol Attendant Receives R25,000 Reward After Act of Kindness Leads to Customer Winning Mini Cooper

Benson Laka receives R25,000 after his kindness helped a jobless motorist win a car. He plans to use the reward for his lobola and children's education.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 4:40 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Sowetan

Forecourt Employee Honored for Empathy During Customer Crisis

What began as a routine refueling stop at a Pretoria petrol station transformed into a life-changing event for both a motorist and the attendant who served her. Benson Laka, an employee at the Winmore BP station, was recognized for his extraordinary patience and positive attitude when he encountered Tembeka Sonkwele during a period of personal hardship. Sonkwele, who had recently become unemployed, arrived at the station feeling despondent and initially lacked the necessary technology to participate in a loyalty program. Laka’s decision to offer encouragement rather than a standard transaction provided the foundation for a significant stroke of luck.

Patience in Service Leads to Major Competition Win

The interaction centered on the BP rewards program in partnership with Nedbank, which Laka insisted Sonkwele join despite her initial frustration. Realizing she had left her mobile phone at home, Laka allowed the motorist to leave the premises to retrieve the device before processing her payment, ensuring her transaction would qualify for a national draw. A few days later, Sonkwele received notification that her petrol purchase had won her a Mini Cooper. She immediately credited Laka’s persistence and kindness as the primary reason for her entry into the successful competition.

Financial Windfall Allocated to Cultural Obligations and Education

In recognition of his role in Sonkwele’s success, Nedbank presented Laka with a R20,000 reward, split between an immediate cash payment and an investment for his children’s schooling. The Winmore BP station added a further R5,000 to the educational fund, bringing the total windfall to R25,000. Laka, who has served as a petrol attendant for 15 years, expressed profound relief at the gesture, noting that the funds would allow him to finalize his lobola payments. The traditional marriage process had been stalled since 2018 due to the financial constraints brought on by the global pandemic.