The latest data from Forbes’ real-time billionaire tracker reveals that South Africa’s seven richest individuals now control a combined net worth of $37.5 billion (R658 billion).
While their business acumen is often lauded, the news has reignited sharp debate about wealth inequality in a country still grappling with deep-rooted social and economic divides.
The Billionaire Club
South Africa’s richest have built fortunes across industries like mining, finance, retail, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods.
While some inherited dynasties, others are self-made entrepreneurs who seized early opportunities in emerging sectors or leveraged global markets to scale their empires.
Yet regardless of their journey, the common thread is capital – and how it compounds.
With unemployment hovering near 33%, basic services under strain, and cost-of-living pressures mounting, critics are calling out the disparity between elite wealth and daily hardship.
Analysts also point to a system that rewards ownership over labour and investment over wages – a pattern visible not just in South Africa, but globally.
Defenders Cite Jobs and Philanthropy
Supporters argue that the billionaire class fuels the economy by creating jobs, driving innovation, and funding social causes.
Several of South Africa’s wealthiest individuals are involved in large-scale philanthropic initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and entrepreneurial development.
Still, many question whether such voluntary contributions can truly offset the systemic forces that allowed such wealth to accumulate in the first place.
The Future of Wealth in South Africa
As conversations about wealth taxes, universal basic income, and economic transformation intensify, the role of South Africa’s richest citizens will remain under the microscope.
Are they symbols of opportunity – proof of what’s possible? Or reminders of a system tilted toward the few?
Meanwhile, in terms of the overall world list, South Africa-born Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with a reported $415.6 billion.
Below, the list of the top seven richest South Africans in the world as of 1 September 2025.
| Rank | Name | Last week | This week | Source |
| 201 | Johann Rupert & family | $12.8bn | $13.6bn | Luxury goods |
| 279 | Nicky Oppenheimer & family | $10.4bn | $10.5bn | Diamonds |
| 1 037 | Koos Bekker | $3.8bn | $3.8bn | Media, investments |
| 1 166 | Patrice Motsepe | $3.4bn | $3.4bn | Mining |
| 1 511 | Michiel Le Roux | $2.7bn | $2.6bn | Banking |
| 2 052 | Jannie Mouton & family | $1.9bn | $1.9bn | Retail |
| 2 225 | Christo Wiese | $1.7bn | $1.7bn | Financial services |
| TOTAL | $36.7bn | $37.5bn |
1. Johann Rupert & Family
Net Worth: $13.6 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: $3.8 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.
How far off are YOU from joining this list of South African dollar billionaires?
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