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Young, Ambitious & Wealthy: Meet South Africa’s 20 Youngest Millionaires in 2025

Published

3 months ago

June 20, 2025

Chiraag

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In a country where wealth is often inherited and the odds seem stacked, a new generation of South Africans is turning the system on its head – and making millions doing it. These young moguls, all under 45, are proof that hustle, innovation, and smart risk-taking still pay off.

From forex-funded empires and festival stages to green energy labs and fintech startups, this is the definitive list of South Africa’s youngest millionaires in 2025 – and how they did it.

Top 20 Youngest Millionaires in South Africa (2025)

1. Vusi Thembekwayo (40)

Net worth: $35–$40 million
Investor, speaker, and founder of My Growth Fund. Known across Africa for scaling businesses and mentoring young talent.

2. Mike Eilertsen (43)

Net worth: $21.2 million
Media entrepreneur who built LIVE OUT LOUD and a business directory empire in his early twenties.

3. Cassper Nyovest (34)

Net worth: $15 million
Rapper, record label boss, liquor brand owner, and headliner of sold-out stadium shows.

4. Duduzane Zuma (42)

Net worth: $15 million
Business investor and public figure carving his own legacy outside of political lineage.

5. Khanyi Mbau (39)

Net worth: $10 million
Actress, media personality, musician, and beauty entrepreneur. One of SA’s most bankable female stars.

6. Ludwick Marishane (34)

Net worth: $10–$50 million
Invented DryBath and runs Headboy, a product development firm. A global face of African innovation.

7. Adii Pienaar (38)

Net worth: $5 million
Co-founded WooCommerce (acquired by Automattic) and now leads SaaS company Cogsy.

8. DJ Zinhle (41)

Net worth: $5 million
SA’s most successful female DJ, with fashion, homeware and accessories brands under her belt.

9. Bernard Parker (39)

Net worth: $5 million
Former Bafana Bafana striker and Kaizer Chiefs star who made smart investments during his career.

10. Sandile Shezi (32)

Net worth: $2.3 million
Sold muffins at school, used his school fees to start trading forex, and built a controversial empire.

11. Doug Hoernle (35)

Net worth: $1–$5 million
Founder of Karri Payments. Started as a teen entrepreneur and grew into fintech leadership.

12. Sammy Mhaule (35)

Net worth: $1 million
Founder of Kicks Sportswear and beverage brands. Represents the new wave of township-born entrepreneurship.

13. Rapelang Rabana (41)

Net worth: Undisclosed
Tech pioneer who co-founded Yeigo, later acquired by a Swiss telecom. Now leads in edtech and consulting.

14. Margo Faith Fargo (31)

Net worth: Undisclosed
Former Miss Earth SA and founder of eco-conscious brands like Far_Go Straws and Grinda Coffee.

Image 1: Adobe Stock

15. Mahlatse Mamaila (30s)

Net worth: Undisclosed
Founder of INO Biodiesel, converting waste oil into fuel for the mining and construction sectors.

16. Mandla Lamba (41)

Net worth: Undisclosed
Controversial entrepreneur linked to electric vehicles and AI ventures. Claims large valuations through Agilitee.

17. Marnus Broodryk (39)

Net worth: Undisclosed
Self-made by 24, now an SME champion, investor, and former TV personality.

18. Bertus Albertse (37)

Net worth: Undisclosed
Founder of Body20 EMS fitness franchises and serial health-tech entrepreneur.

19. Priven Reddy (42)

Net worth: Undisclosed
Founder of Kagiso Interactive and involved in ambitious tech and aerospace projects.

20. Max Lichaba (44)

Net worth: Undisclosed
Jewellery designer turned businessman, founder of Lichaba Creations, and advocate for township business growth.

Why This List Matters

South Africa is home to over 37,000 dollar millionaires, but these 20 are in a league of their own. They built wealth not from inheritance, but from hustle, smart risk, creativity – and a lot of sleepless nights.

This is the new class of wealth in South Africa. Young. Self-made. And rewriting what success looks like.

Social Buzz

On X (formerly Twitter), the reactions have been both inspired and spicy:

“Some of them started with muffins. What’s our excuse?”
“Representation matters – more women on this list, please!”
“Wealth isn’t just old money anymore. It’s strategy, speed and timing.”