South Africa’s seven richest individuals now collectively hold a staggering net worth of $38.5 billion (R666 billion), according to the latest figures from Forbes’ real-time billionaire tracker – reigniting long-standing debates about wealth inequality in one of the world’s most unequal societies.
The billionaires have amassed their fortunes through industries ranging from mining and retail to finance and pharmaceuticals.
SOCIAL IMBALANCES
While their business empires have contributed to economic growth and job creation, critics argue that this level of wealth concentration underscores the country’s deep-rooted economic and social imbalances.
South Africa faces some of the highest unemployment and poverty rates globally, with millions living below the poverty line.
Despite its upper-middle-income status, the nation continues to battle with rising living costs, an overstretched welfare system, and a lack of inclusive economic growth.
The inequality gap is further magnified by ongoing structural issues – including the absence of guaranteed paid maternity leave, limited access to healthcare, and under-resourced public services – which disproportionately affect low- and middle-income households.
Deeper economic reforms
Amid these realities, public discourse is increasingly turning toward wealth redistribution, including proposals for wealth taxes and deeper economic reforms.
Policymakers, labour unions, and civil society groups are calling for urgent action to ensure a more equitable distribution of the country’s resources.
While some defend the ultra-wealthy for their contributions to investment and employment, others argue that without deliberate redistributive measures, South Africa risks further entrenching generational poverty and social instability.
As the country grapples with these tensions, the billionaires’ growing fortunes have become a powerful symbol of the broader inequality crisis.
Meanwhile, in terms of the overall world list, South Africa-born Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with a reported $489.9 billion.
Below, the list of the top seven richest South Africans in the world as of 30 September 2025.
| Rank | Name | Last week | This week | Source |
| 184 | Johann Rupert & family | $14.7bn | $14.4bn | Luxury goods |
| 286 | Nicky Oppenheimer & family | $10.5bn | $10.5bn | Diamonds |
| 1 001 | Koos Bekker | $3.9bn | $4bn | Media, investments |
| 1 187 | Patrice Motsepe | $3.3bn | $3.4bn | Mining |
| 1 519 | Michiel Le Roux | $2.7bn | $2.6bn | Banking |
| 2 048 | Jannie Mouton & family | $1.9bn | $1.9bn | Retail |
| 2 154 | Christo Wiese | $1.7bn | $1.7bn | Financial services |
| TOTAL | $38.7bn | $38.5bn |
1. Johann Rupert & Family
Net Worth: $14.4 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.
2. Nicky Oppenheimer
Net Worth: $10.5 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.
3. Koos Bekker
Net Worth: $4 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.
4. Patrice Motsepe
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.
5. Michiel Le Roux
Net Worth: $2.6 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.
6. Jannie Mouton
Net Worth: $1.9 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.
7. Christo Wiese
Net Worth: $1.7 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.
