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From Fired to Forbes: Jannie Mouton Makes Billionaire Comeback in 2025

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1 month ago

July 23, 2025

Chiraag

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Not many people bounce back from getting fired by building one of South Africa’s most respected investment empires, but then again, Jannie Mouton isn’t most people. Known in some circles as the “Boere Buffett,” Mouton has made a roaring return to the global billionaire stage, rejoining Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s wealthiest after a years-long absence.

As of March 2025, Mouton is officially back among the ranks of the world’s dollar billionaires, with a net worth of $1.6 billion (R29.2 billion). He now stands as the 2,024th richest person on the planet, joining an elite group of just seven South Africans currently on the list.

Also read: South Africa’s Power Players: Meet the Top 20 Business Influencers of 2025

The Long Road Back to Billionaire Status

Mouton’s journey to wealth wasn’t always smooth sailing. After studying at Stellenbosch University and qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1973, he co-founded the stockbroking firm Senekal, Mouton & Kitshoff, only to be unceremoniously fired from his own company in 1995.

Instead of retreating, Mouton took that setback and turned it into an opportunity. That same year, he joined forces with Chris Otto to launch PSG Group, starting with a bold R3.5 million investment into a listed recruitment firm. Two years later, they flipped that company for R107 million. The rest, as they say, is financial history.

PSG Group: A Billion-Rand Legacy

PSG went on to become a powerful force in South African investment. From Capitec Bank to Curro Holdings and PSG Konsult, the group helped shape some of the country’s most successful enterprises.

Mouton eventually stepped down in 2018 due to health reasons, but PSG has continued to thrive. Today, it holds a portfolio valued at over R5 billion, and its diverse investments span education, energy, automotive retail, and retirement villages. With more than 45,000 employees, PSG is not just a money-maker; it’s a major economic contributor.

Back on the Billionaire Map

Although Mouton first appeared on the Forbes World’s Billionaires List in 2017, he quietly dropped off the rankings for a few years. His return in 2025 comes at a time when South Africa’s presence on the list remains limited but powerful.

Mouton now sits beside:

Johann Rupert: Still South Africa’s wealthiest, worth $13.8 billion (R252 billion), ranked 169th globally.
Nicky Oppenheimer: Diamond legacy magnate, at $10.4 billion (R189 billion), ranked 253rd.
Koos Bekker: Media mogul and Naspers chair, worth $3.4 billion (R62 billion).
Patrice Motsepe: Mining and sports executive, valued at $3.1 billion (R56.6 billion).
Michiel le Roux: Capitec founder, at $2.3 billion (R42 billion).
Christo Wiese: Retail tycoon, also worth $1.6 billion, just behind Mouton at position 2,098.

Cultural Legacy and Public Sentiment

In the South African business world, Mouton is revered not just for his returns but for his resilience. His story is often cited in local entrepreneurial circles as a case study in turning adversity into triumph.

On social media, users have celebrated his comeback with praise. “Proof that getting fired isn’t the end,” one X user posted. Another wrote, “Jannie Mouton’s return to Forbes is peak main character energy.”

Why His Return Matters in 2025

With economic uncertainty still a hot topic in South Africa, Mouton’s re-entry into the billionaire club hits differently. His success highlights the value of long-term investing in homegrown ventures and adds weight to PSG’s strategy of backing early-stage local businesses.

Mouton’s legacy is no longer just about wealth; it’s about impact, perseverance, and belief in South African potential.