Rich lists

From Gold Mines to Tech Titans: South Africa’s Top 10 Billionaires in 2025

Published

2 months ago

July 11, 2025

Chiraag

From Kimberley to Constellations: Charting a Legacy of Wealth

South Africa’s wealth story is layered with gold, diamonds, retail, and now tech and clean energy. In 2025, the top ten richest individuals reflect how the country’s economy has evolved, where old dynasties still hold influence, but new players are reshaping the narrative with bold moves and billion-rand ideas.

Also read: SA’s Wealthiest YouTube Channels and What They’re Banking Monthly in 2025

1. Johann Rupert, The Silent Luxury Baron

Net worth estimate: US $16 to 17 billion

Born in Stellenbosch in 1950, Johann Rupert chairs luxury conglomerate Richemont, home to Cartier, Montblanc, and more, and the investment firm Remgro. His fortune soared in early 2025 following a sharp rise in Richemont shares. Bloomberg reported he gained US $1 billion in one week, pushing his wealth to approximately US $16.9 billion. Known for his discreet profile, Rupert supports universal basic income and campaigns against fracking on his Karoo land.

2. Nicky Oppenheimer, Diamonds to Diversity

Net worth estimate: US $10 to 12 billion

Heir to the De Beers diamond legacy, Nicky Oppenheimer was born in Johannesburg in 1945 and sold the family stake in 2012. Since then, he has focused on private equity, conservation, and aviation. His mid-2025 net worth reached US $12 billion, up by US $500 million since the start of the year.

3. Ivan Glasenberg, Commodities King

Net worth estimate: US $9 to 9.5 billion

A Johannesburg native born in 1957, Glasenberg is the former CEO of Glencore and remains the company’s largest individual shareholder. His fortune is built on coal, copper, and global commodity trading. As of 2025, Forbes valued his net worth at around US $9.3 billion.

4. Patrice Motsepe, Mining, Business, and Football

Net worth estimate: US $3.2 billion

South Africa’s first Black billionaire made his fortune through African Rainbow Minerals and now also chairs the Confederation of African Football (CAF). His holdings in ARM and Harmony Gold lifted his 2025 net worth to US $3.2 billion. Beyond mining, Motsepe has invested in fintech, solar power, and grassroots development through the Motsepe Foundation.

5. Koos Bekker, Tech-Fuelled Media Mogul

Net worth estimate: US $3.2 billion

Bekker is the visionary behind Naspers’ transformation into a global tech powerhouse. His early investment in Tencent turned out to be one of South Africa’s most successful deals. Today, he reinvests in global luxury hospitality ventures while maintaining his position as chair of Naspers and Prosus.

Top ten South African billionaires, Ivan Glasenberg Glencore shareholder, Koos Bekker tech investor, Stephen Saad pharma CEO, legacy wealth South Africa, Joburg ETC

Image 1: Ventureburn

6. Michiel le Roux, Banking the Middle Class

Net worth estimate: US $2.6 billion

As the co-founder of Capitec Bank, le Roux helped revolutionise retail banking in South Africa. His 11 percent stake in Capitec gained around US $300 million in April 2025 alone after a strong market rally. Despite rarely appearing in public, his financial clout continues to shape SA’s banking sector.

7. Christoffel Wiese, Retail Veteran

Net worth estimate: US $1.6 billion

Wiese built Pepkor and Shoprite into household names, owning over 10 percent of Shoprite Holdings. His wealth dipped in early 2025 but bounced back due to stronger-than-expected consumer spending. His other interests include Brait, Invicta Holdings, and Premier Group.

8. Jannie Mouton, Financial Services Founder

Net worth estimate: US $1.6 billion

Mouton founded PSG Group in 1995 after being ousted from his brokerage firm. He went on to back Capitec Bank, Curro, and other major players. While PSG is now unlisted, its subsidiaries and spin-offs continue generating wealth for the Mouton family. His legacy is marked by bold pivots and long-term vision.

9. Stephen Saad, Pharma Powerhouse

Net worth estimate: US $1.2 billion

Durban-born Saad co-founded Aspen Pharmacare in 1997, which is now Africa’s largest drug manufacturer. He retains a 12.8 percent stake. Aspen’s global presence, including vaccine production and COVID‑19 response, cemented Saad’s position in the billionaire league. He also chairs the Sharks rugby franchise and supports medical and conservation causes.

10. The Estate of Allan Gray, Legacy with Purpose

Net worth influence: Approx. US $1.2 billion

Though Allan Gray passed away in 2019, his legacy lives on through the Allan & Gill Gray Foundation. His estate’s stake in Allan Gray Limited and Orbis underpins one of South Africa’s largest philanthropic engines, funding education and entrepreneurship for future leaders across Southern Africa.

What These Fortunes Show Us

South Africa’s top ten billionaires aren’t just rich; they’re architects of influence. Their fortunes span old wealth (diamonds, mining, retail) and new (banking, tech, pharma). Together, they reflect a country in transition, where legacy meets disruption and profit is often paired with purpose.

Their investments shape markets. Their boards direct companies that employ hundreds of thousands. And in many cases, their charitable trusts and foundations are driving change in education, health care, and entrepreneurship.