Top 10 Richest People in South Africa (2025) – Net Worth & Rankings

Last Updated: May 17, 2025

South Africa is home to some of the continent’s wealthiest individuals, with fortunes built across industries like mining, finance, and tech. In this 2025 updated ranking, we reveal the top 10 richest people in South Africa, their net worth, and how they made their billions.

1. Johann Rupert & Family

Net Worth: $12.3 billion
Industry: Luxury Goods, Investments
Key Assets: Richemont (Cartier, Montblanc), Remgro

Johann Rupert remains South Africa’s richest person, thanks to his luxury conglomerate Richemont and diversified investments. His family’s influence extends across multiple industries, with significant holdings in banking, healthcare, and consumer products through Remgro.

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2. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family

Net Worth: $9.1 billion
Industry: Diamonds, Mining
Key Assets: Former De Beers Chairman, Fireblade Aviation

The Oppenheimer family, once controlling De Beers, still dominates Africa’s diamond trade. Since selling their 40% stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.1 billion in 2012, the family has diversified into private equity, aviation, and conservation.

3. Patrice Motsepe

Net Worth: $3.8 billion
Industry: Mining (Gold, Platinum)
Key Assets: African Rainbow Minerals, Sundowns FC

South Africa’s first Black billionaire, Motsepe expanded into renewable energy in 2025. Through African Rainbow Capital, he’s making strategic investments in financial services and digital banking, including a significant stake in TymeBank.

4. Koos Bekker

Net Worth: $3.2 billion
Industry: Media, Tech
Key Assets: Naspers, Tencent Stake

Bekker’s early investment in Tencent (via Naspers) continues to pay off massively. His transformation of Naspers from a traditional media company to a global tech investor created one of Africa’s biggest corporate success stories. You Might Like: India’s Top 10 Billionaires in 2025 – The Business Titans Shaping the Nation’s Future

5. Michiel Le Roux

Net Worth: $2.9 billion
Industry: Banking
Key Assets: Capitec Bank

Le Roux’s Capitec Bank disrupts SA’s banking sector with low-cost services. Founded in 2001, Capitec has grown to become one of South Africa’s largest retail banks by focusing on simplified banking and financial inclusion.

6. Stephen Saad

Net Worth: $2.4 billion
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
Key Assets: Aspen Pharmacare

Saad’s Aspen Pharmacare is Africa’s largest generic drug manufacturer. The company gained global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to expand its manufacturing capacity and international market presence.

7. Allan Gray

Net Worth: $2.1 billion
Industry: Investments
Key Assets: Allan Gray Investment Management

The legendary investor’s firm manages over $50 billion in assets. Founded in 1973, Allan Gray Limited has become one of Africa’s largest privately-owned investment management companies with a reputation for value investing.

8. Desmond Sacco

Net Worth: $1.9 billion
Industry: Mining (Iron Ore)
Key Assets: Assore Group

Sacco’s Assore Group profits from rising global iron ore demand. The company has mining operations and investments in manganese, iron ore, and chrome, positioning it well in the global resources market.

9. Lauritz Dippenaar

Net Worth: $1.7 billion
Industry: Financial Services
Key Assets: Rand Merchant Bank (RMB)

A co-founder of FirstRand, Dippenaar remains a banking heavyweight. His leadership helped transform RMB into one of South Africa’s most innovative and profitable financial institutions. You Might Like: Top American Billionaires 2025 – The Untold Stories of Wealth Creation in the USA

10. Christo Wiese

Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Industry: Retail
Key Assets: Pepkor, Shoprite (former)

Despite past setbacks, Wiese retains billionaire status via retail investments. Once South Africa’s richest person, he has rebuilt his fortune after significant losses related to the Steinhoff accounting scandal.

Key Takeaways: South Africa’s Wealth Trends (2025)

✔ Mining & Finance dominate – 7 of 10 billionaires made fortunes here.
✔ Tech & Pharma rising – Koos Bekker & Stephen Saad reflect this shift.
✔ Self-made wealth grows – Patrice Motsepe & Michiel Le Roux started from scratch.

FAQ: South Africa’s Richest People

Who is the richest woman in South Africa?

Wendy Appelbaum (De Morgenzon wine estate) ranks just outside the top 10.

How many billionaires are in South Africa?

As of 2025, South Africa has 14 billionaires, per Forbes.

Who is the youngest billionaire in South Africa?

Tech entrepreneur Vinny Lingham (Civic.com) is among the youngest.

Final Thoughts

South Africa’s richest benefit from global commodity demand, tech growth, and financial innovation. Will a new disruptor enter the top 10 soon? You Might Like: Top EU Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas in 2025 – A Guide for Remote Entrepreneurs

Want more? Check out our breakdown of Africa’s Top 20 Billionaires for comparison.

^{Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information as of May 2025.}