South Africa's richest men: How 7 tycoons built their fortunes
In South Africa, a select group of businessmen has proven this adage true, using generational wealth, bold decisions, and smart investing to amass fortunes that stretch into the billions.
From mining and media to finance and fashion, these seven South African billionaires have built and grown empires that span industries and continents.
Collectively, they hold an astonishing $36.9 billion (R659 billion) in wealth, according to Forbes' real-time billionaire list.
South Africa's wealthiest individuals highlight the power of compound wealth, strategic investing, and often, privileged starting points.
While some leveraged family businesses, others capitalised on market shifts and global opportunities to build their empires.
Though controversial to some, their financial influence is undeniable – not just in South Africa, but on the global stage.
As the saying goes, 'the rich get richer.' And in this case, they're doing so with style, strategy, and staggering numbers.
Meanwhile, in terms of the overall world list, South Africa-born Elon Musk remains the world's richest person with a reported $410.3 billion.
Below, the list of the top seven richest South Africans in the world as of 28 July 2025. Rank Name Last week This week Source 197 Johann Rupert & family $14.5bn $13.5bn Luxury goods 279 Nicky Oppenheimer & family $10.5bn $10.4bn Diamonds 1 034 Koos Bekker $3.6bn $3.7bn Media, investments 1 166 Patrice Motsepe $3.3bn $3.4bn Mining 1 528 Michiel Le Roux $2.6bn $2.5bn Banking 2 052 Jannie Mouton & family $1.8bn $1.8bn Retail 2 207 Christo Wiese $1.7bn $1.6bn Financial services TOTAL $38bn $36.9bn
Net Worth: $13.5 billion
Industry: Luxury Goods, Finance
At the top of the list is Johann Rupert, chair of Compagnie Financière Richemont, the Swiss luxury goods group behind brands like Cartier, Montblanc, and Dunhill. With significant holdings in financial services and investments, Rupert has masterfully expanded his wealth while maintaining a relatively low public profile.
Net Worth: $10.4 billion
Industry: Diamonds, Investment
The former chairman of De Beers, Nicky Oppenheimer sold the family's 40% stake in the diamond giant to Anglo American for $5.1 billion in 2012. Since then, he has grown his fortune through private equity investments and conservation initiatives across Africa.
Net Worth: $3.7 billion
Industry: Media, Technology
Known for turning Naspers into a global tech giant, Koos Bekker made headlines by investing early in China's Tencent. That decision alone brought in tens of billions for Naspers. Bekker's strategic leadership transformed the company from a local media firm into a global player.
Net Worth: $3.4 billion
Industry: Mining, Finance
Patrice Motsepe made his fortune through African Rainbow Minerals, becoming South Africa's first black billionaire. A key figure in Black Economic Empowerment, he also holds a stake in financial services firm Sanlam and is a noted philanthropist and investor in sports.
Net Worth: $2.5 billion
Industry: Banking
Founder of Capitec Bank, Michiel Le Roux revolutionised South Africa's banking landscape by creating a low-cost, accessible banking model. The bank's growth and profitability have made it a darling on the JSE and a consistent driver of Le Roux's wealth.
Net Worth: $1.8 billion
Industry: Investments
The founder of PSG Group, Jannie Mouton earned the nickname 'Boere Buffett' for his savvy investment strategy. PSG has stakes in Capitec, Curro (education), and various agricultural and financial firms, making Mouton a quiet force in South African business.
Net Worth: $1.6 billion
Industry: Retail
Despite setbacks with the collapse of Steinhoff, Christo Wiese remains a retail titan with interests in Shoprite and other ventures. Once South Africa's richest man, Wiese is rebuilding and diversifying his portfolio.
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