Meet South Africa's Richest Minds: A Dive Into Their Wealth And Influence

Holifil

02 Apr, 2025

South African billionaires often find their names on prestigious lists like the Forbes List of Billionaires, Richest Africans, and Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Among them are global icons such as Elon Musk, Johann Rupert, Patrice Motsepe, and other notable figures you might not know as much about.
Briefly News has put together a comprehensive list of South Africa's top billionaires and the fascinating stories behind their vast fortunes.

Tebogo Mokwena, a current affairs journalist for Briefly News, has spent seven years covering economic and financial news, focusing on banks and state-owned enterprises at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

Elon Musk, Patrick Soon-Shiong, and Patrice Motsepe are swimming in a sea of money. Images: Jean Catuffe/GC Images, David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images, and Lionel Hahn/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa has birthed a collection of billionaires from diverse industries, including media, mining, technology, and retail. From the richest man in the world to the wealthiest figure in Mzansi, Briefly News delves into the lives of ten South African billionaires and their incredible journeys to success.

Elon Musk: The World's Wealthiest Visionary

Elon Musk, a name synonymous with innovation, currently holds the title of the world's richest person, leading both the Forbes Billionaires List and the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. His staggering net worth of $265 billion, or a mind-blowing R4.5 trillion in South African currency, stems from his visionary leadership in companies like X, SpaceX, Tesla, and Starlink. Musk’s impact on technology and space exploration has redefined what’s possible in today’s world.

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Johann Rupert: A Pillar of African Wealth

Johann Rupert stands tall as South Africa's richest man and one of Africa's most affluent billionaires. His net worth, valued at R207 billion ($12 billion) in South African currency, comes from his extensive portfolio, including stakes in Richemont and Mediclinic, controlled by Remgro. Ranked as the 178th wealthiest individual globally, Rupert’s influence spans luxury goods and healthcare, making him a key player in the international business landscape.

Nicky Oppenheimer: Diamonds Are Forever

Nicky Oppenheimer, another titan of African wealth, boasts a net worth of $11.4 billion (R117 billion in South African currency). His fortune stems from his decades-long leadership at De Beers Mining Company, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the diamond industry. As the 217th wealthiest man on the planet, Oppenheimer's legacy in mining is unmatched, with his contributions still resonating in the global market.

Ivan Glasenberg: The Self-Made Mining Mogul

Ivan Glasenberg, with a net worth of $10.3 billion (R178 billion), owes his success to his business acumen and leadership as the former CEO of Glencore. A self-made billionaire, Glasenberg ranks as the 278th wealthiest man according to Forbes. His journey from a humble beginning to commanding one of the largest commodity trading companies in the world is nothing short of inspiring.

Patrick Soon-Shiong: Medicine Meets Money

Patrick Soon-Shiong, a South African-born billionaire, may not be as well-known as some of his peers, but his contributions to the medical and biotech industries are extraordinary. Ranked 469th on Forbes' list of billionaires, Soon-Shiong is the inventor of Abraxane, a groundbreaking drug used to combat lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer. With a net worth of $6.1 billion (R105 billion), he continues to push the boundaries of innovation in healthcare.

Patrice Motsepe: The Heart of South African Business

No list of South African billionaires would be complete without mentioning Patrice Motsepe, a beloved figure in the country. As the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns and African Rainbow Minerals, Motsepe's net worth of $2.7 billion (R46.7 billion) makes him the 17th wealthiest man in Africa. His impact extends beyond business into sports and philanthropy, earning him a special place in the hearts of many South Africans.

Rupert's Wealth Takes a Hit

In a recent development, Briefly News reported that Johan Rupert's wealth experienced a significant setback, dropping by R70 billion over a span of 90 days in 2023. This decline was attributed to the reduced consumer spending on luxury goods, affecting the value of his company, Richemont. The current economic climate has reminded us that even the wealthiest are not immune to market fluctuations.