South Africa’s seven richest individuals now collectively hold a reported $40.4 billion (R696 billion) in wealth, according to Forbes’ real-time billionaire tracker – a figure that has reignited debate over the nation’s deepening inequality and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.
The billionaires, whose fortunes span industries including mining, retail, finance, and pharmaceuticals, continue to dominate South Africa’s economic landscape.
While their business empires have contributed to growth, investment, and job creation, critics argue that their immense fortunes highlight the country’s persistent social and economic divides.
SOCIAL IMBALANCES
Despite being one of Africa’s most advanced economies, South Africa remains among the most unequal societies in the world.
The nation faces stubbornly high unemployment and poverty rates, with millions surviving below the poverty line.
Rising living costs, an overburdened welfare system, and slow, uneven economic growth have deepened public frustration.
Inequality is further exacerbated by structural shortcomings, including the lack of guaranteed paid maternity leave, limited access to quality healthcare, and under-resourced public education and infrastructure.
These pressures fall most heavily on low- and middle-income households, entrenching cycles of hardship.
CALLS FOR DEEPER REFORMS
In response, labour unions, policymakers, and civil society groups are intensifying calls for progressive economic reforms – including potential wealth taxes and policies aimed at redistribution and inclusive growth.
Supporters of South Africa’s ultra-wealthy argue that their investments fuel innovation and create jobs.
However, critics warn that without targeted redistributive measures, the country risks cementing generational poverty and widening its already vast socio-economic gap.
The growing disparity underscores a stark reality: while a handful of individuals amass billions, millions of South Africans still struggle to afford basic necessities, revealing a national challenge that extends far beyond the numbers on a billionaire index.
Meanwhile, in terms of the overall world list, South Africa-born Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with a reported $495.1 billion.
Below, the list of the top seven richest South Africans in the world as of 28 October 2025.
| Rank | Name | Last month | Today | Source |
| 168 | Johann Rupert & family | $14.4bn | $15.5bn | Luxury goods |
| 295 | Nicky Oppenheimer & family | $10.5bn | $10.5bn | Diamonds |
| 994 | Koos Bekker | $4bn | $4.1bn | Media, investments |
| 1 183 | Patrice Motsepe | $3.4bn | $3.4bn | Mining |
| 1 328 | Michiel Le Roux | $2.6bn | $3bn | Banking |
| 1 829 | Jannie Mouton & family | $1.9bn | $2.1bn | Retail |
| 2 110 | Christo Wiese | $1.7bn | $1.8bn | Financial services |
| TOTAL | $38.5bn | $40.4bn |
1. Johann Rupert & Family
Net Worth: $15.5 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: $4.1 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: $3 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: $2.1 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: $1.8 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.
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