How rich are South Africa's 7 richest men?
It's comparatively 'easy' to make money – when you have money. Compound interest really is the eighth wonder of the world!
As they say, the rich get richer, while the poor stay, well, poor.
Money makes money – and these seven South Africans have made a lot of it over the years.
And by a lot, we mean a LOT !
According to Forbes' real-time tracking of billionaires, Johann Rupert and his family are the richest in South Africa, with a net worth of $14.6 billion.
The Ruperts are followed by diamond magnate Nicky Oppenheimer, who boasts a net worth of $10.5 billion.
They are followed by Koos Bekker, Patrice Motsepe, Michiel Le Roux, Jannie Mouton and Christo Wiese.
South Africa's seven dollar billionaires all made their money in different ways – from luxury goods, diamonds, mining, media, banking and retail.
In the last week alone, Oppenheimer, Motsepe and Mouton all added $100 million (R1.8 billion) to their net worths.
Cumulatively, South Africa's seven dollar billionaires are worth $37.7 billion (R674 billion).
Meanwhile, in terms of the overall world list, South Africa-born Elon Musk remains the world's richest person with a reported $418.7 billion.
Below, the list of the top seven richest South Africans in the world as of 27 May 2025. Rank Name Last week This week Source 163 Johann Rupert & family $14.6bn $14.6bn Luxury goods 267 Nicky Oppenheimer & family $10.4bn $10.5bn Diamonds 1 074 Koos Bekker $3.5bn $3.5bn Media, investments 1 184 Patrice Motsepe $3.1bn $3.2bn Mining 1 501 Michiel Le Roux $2.5bn $2.5bn Banking 2 038 Jannie Mouton & family $1.7bn $1.8bn Retail 2 152 Christo Wiese $1.6bn $1.6bn Financial services TOTAL $37.4bn $37.7bn
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
40 minutes ago
- TimesLIVE
Get ready for a medical aid reboot. Change is coming, Mzansi
Launching on October 1, a bold new medical aid scheme will rise. Built on Fedhealth's 89-year legacy of innovation and backed by the power of Sanlam, it's designed to deliver exactly what you've been asking for: more value, more choice and more affordability. Fedhealth and Sanlam have listened to what SA wants from a scheme — and are building on what works within the current system, reshaping where necessary, and creating a medical aid experience that truly puts you first. Fedhealth and Sanlam: a legacy of innovation and the expertise of a financial powerhouse Earlier this year, Sanlam announced an agreement to partner with Fedhealth as its single open medical scheme provider. This move supports the Sanlam group's strategy to provide a complete health offering to existing and potential clients as part of its overall financial services value proposition. The partnership also reinforces Sanlam's aim to offer an integrated healthcare, insurance and investment offering that delivers more value, affordability and sustainability. For Fedhealth, this agreement will realise its objective of expanding its market share in the corporate market in SA, which stands to bring in substantial new corporate members via Sanlam's established client base. Current Fedhealth members can rest assured: the new scheme will still operate as an independent entity, run by a board of trustees consisting of scheme members. Excitement about the future of healthcare, reimagined 'We are pleased about the conclusion of our partnership agreement with Fedhealth, which supports our objective to significantly upweight our health focus,' says Paul Hanratty, Sanlam group CEO. 'Many South Africans need affordable private healthcare delivered by a solid medical aid. Our partnership with Fedhealth demonstrates our commitment to enable accessible healthcare and reinforces our outlook to encourage our clients to live confidently, healthily, and resiliently build wealth. We have already migrated most of our staff to Fedhealth and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership.' By partnering with Sanlam, Fedhealth will now be able to offer even more money saving opportunities by means of integrated product offerings, an innovative rewards platform and wellness incentives to our members Jeremy Yatt, Fedhealth's principal officer The partnership is a synergy of two core shared values: customisation and affordability, says Jeremy Yatt, Fedhealth's principal officer. 'Fedhealth is already unique in the medical aid landscape, thanks to our ability to offer customisable medical aid, which allows our members to craft the plan that suits them, so they do not have to pay for benefits they do not use. This leads to significant cost savings,' he says. 'By partnering with Sanlam, we'll now be able to offer even more money-saving opportunities by means of integrated product offerings, an innovative rewards platform and wellness incentives to our members that encourage them to take further charge of their health.' SA's most trusted health brand by 2030 This partnership is about more than business — it is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of all South Africans. Says Yatt: 'We are setting a new standard for health and wellness by combining Sanlam's trusted reputation and extensive reach with Fedhealth's clinical expertise. Together, we aim to bring more benefits, greater access and cutting-edge innovation to financial, physical and mental wellbeing — all in one place. Our vision is clear: to become SA's most trusted health brand by 2030, delivering real value every step of the way.'
The Herald
2 hours ago
- The Herald
Time to shine spotlight on unsung heroes
They will be vying for the respective category titles which include: Environment, Sports, Arts and Culture, Business/Entrepreneur, Education, Community, Civil Society, Gender Based Violence, Health and Safety as well as the Standard Bank Youth Category known as 'Make your Mark'. The latter is the event's gold sponsors' youth initiative to support young change-makers and social innovators who are making an impact in their communities. The 'Make Your Mark' award provides special recognition to recipients who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication. The Head of client coverage, personal and private banking for Standard Bank Eastern Cape, Unathi Maqalekane, said it aimed to become the catalyst that transformed these individual initiatives into a reality in alignment to the company's vision 'Africa is our home and we drive her growth'. 'The Herald NMU Citizens of the Year Awards gives special recognition to ordinary individuals who create a positive impact within the community. 'Similarly, our focus is on creating positive impacts for our clients, our employees, our communities and the environment. 'On that account, we are excited to continue as a valued partner because we share a similar commitment to uplift society to drive Africa's sustainable growth.' Maqalekane said c elebrating the unsung heroes was crucial as they were often the backbone of communities and organisations, providing essential support that might not always be visible. 'Recognising their efforts by virtue of these accolades shows that their contributions are valued and appreciated and can inspire others to step up and offer their own support thereby creating a culture of community and belonging.' The acting dean of students at Nelson Mandela University, Vuyo Bongela, said their decision to continue as a partner stemmed from a shared vision to celebrate those who embodied the spirit of ubuntu. 'We believe that being recognised in this way not only affirms the emotional journey of the winners, but also validates the purpose and passion that fuels their work. 'It raises their visibility, often enabling them to access greater support and extend their reach, ultimately amplifying the positive change they bring about in their communities. 'As our tagline charges us to 'change the world', we believe such endeavours contribute to this bold mission,' Bongela said. If you know of anyone who exemplifies the true meaning of upliftment and positive change, let's honour them. Nominate your local hero on this link: For any queries, please contact The Herald marketing manager, Berna Ulay-Walters on ulayb@ The event sponsors are: Co-title sponsors: Nelson Mandela University | Gold sponsor: Standard Bank | Bronze sponsor: Continental Tyre SA | Support partners: Vodacom, Three Peaks Wine and JTC Decor Events | Venue sponsors: Sun Boardwalk. The Herald
The Herald
2 hours ago
- The Herald
Chippa boss makes U-turn on relocation to East London
Chippa United boss Siviwe Mpengesi has made an about-turn on his decision to relocate the club from Nelson Mandela Bay and has instead set his sights on acquiring control of the Isaac Wolfson Stadium. Despite confirming the move to the Buffalo City Metro in May, which potentially could have cost the club its R13m cheque it receives as part of a sponsorship deal with the Bay, Mpengesi denied this in a letter sent to municipal officials of the sport, recreation, arts and culture directorate on Friday. Chippa players and staff left on May 12 after they were told to start packing in preparation for the club's relocation. The relocation was first announced by coach Thabo September during a post-match interview in April in which he indicated the club would move to East London next season. The franchise received a R6m-a-year sponsorship deal with the Bay municipality and also received a R7m annual relocation fee tied to their status in top-flight football, for which the team has had to fight to stay out of relegation. The agreement also provides an additional R500,000 for marketing. The three-year contract ends in June 2026. 'While we look forward to meeting you in person shortly to take matters further, it's important to address you urgently with regards to falsehoods that are being disseminated in the media that Chippa United FC are relocating the team,' Mpengesi wrote in the letter. Mpengesi had previously stated that they intended to move the club to BCM with a satellite station remaining in Gqeberha. In the letter, Mpengesi said they acknowledged that there were challenges beyond their control related to venues. 'A quick analysis of ticket sales/attendance vs club and operator costs alone justifies why Chippa United intends to move the smaller games away and work with the MBDA [Mandela Bay Development Agency] to ensure that more higher category matches are played at the stadium with our assistance.' Mpengesi said they were also in talks with Kaizer Chiefs with regard to bringing some of their games to the city. 'Chippa United will immediately, for example, bring back the smaller matches, when the Wolfson Stadium is compliant as they will be more viable and take football to a greater audience. 'The matter of facility availability is another key point of discussion. 'You will be aware of the challenges that Chippa United have had in securing alternative venues and training facilities over the past years and this matter requires resolution. 'The unavailability/noncompliance of the Wolfson Stadium in particular has been a contentious issue. 'This, in particular, affects our DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) and juniors, forcing expensive alternative arrangements to be made. 'We highlight that in the 2024/2025 season the club had to keep ferrying its DDC team between Gqeberha and East London, which is unsustainable. 'This is not optional as the DDC season starts early and venues have to be submitted currently.' Mpengesi proposed that the city hand the Wolfson Stadium over to them to bring it up to Safety at Sport and Recreation Events Act (SASSREA) compliance. 'With the above in mind, we propose that as a long-term solution the municipality urgently facilitate the handover of control of the Wolfson Stadium, or another agreed stadium, to Chippa United for the club to renovate the venue and maintain it to PSL and SASSREA standards on the municipality's behalf.' Asked on Friday what had changed his mind, Mpengesi said: 'We never confirmed leaving, we love Gqeberha.' Regarding the handing over of Wolfson, Mpengesi said they wanted to renovate the stadium and would not share it with any other teams. The stadium is at present used by amateur soccer and rugby teams to train and play games. 'We will make sure it complies with the PSL standard for small games and DDC. 'We can't share with other people. We will manage and maintain it like [the one in] East London and what we were doing in Philippi , Cape Town. 'As things are now, it's chaotic, [with] Safa and rugby. 'We must manage it and they can use it according to our terms. 'So [we want] stadium management to prevent chaos and put our interests first like we do in East London.' Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC has also set its sights on using the Wolfson for its home fixtures next season. Asked if the move to take over the Wolfson would seem as though he was blocking Highbury from using the facility, Mpengesi said he would allow Highbury to play their home games, but if Chippa were given control over the stadium the team would have to pay him for access. He said once the Wolfson passed the PSL standard there would not be a need for him to take the small games and DDC fixtures to East London in future. 'It would be foolish of me to abandon Gqeberha completely. It has so much potential and assisted our brand too much,' Mpengesi said. MBDA chief executive Anele Qaba said on Sunday that nothing contained in the letter had been discussed with them and they would require detailed information. 'What we're picking up from his letter is that he is not leaving so for us the status quo remains.' Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said there would be ongoing engagements regarding Chippa United's request to use the Wolfson Stadium. 'Any consideration of expanded use of the Wolfson Stadium will be undertaken with due regard for existing users, including amateur clubs. 'Amateur and community football clubs that use the Wolfson Stadium do so based on approved bookings and facility-use agreements with the municipality. 'In some cases, nominal rental or booking fees may apply depending on the nature of the event and duration of use.' He said should any adjustments be made to accommodate Chippa United's operational needs at the Wolfson Stadium, amateur and community teams would not be displaced or disadvantaged. 'Alternative venue arrangements and scheduling accommodations would be considered in consultation with affected stakeholders.' The Herald
