Top 20 richest men in South Africa

Introduction – A Glimpse into South Africa’s Billionaire Landscape

In 2025, South Africa continues to stand out as a major contributor of billionaires on the African continent. With a mix of global industry leaders, mining magnates, and luxury goods pioneers, it remains a hub for immense personal wealth. In this post, we’ll explore the top 20 richest men in South Africa, as ranked by Forbes, and give insight into their sources of wealth, business portfolios, and influence. Whether you’re curious about mining tycoons, media moguls, or global innovators, this breakdown offers a comprehensive view. Let’s dive into the realm of South Africa’s wealthiest individuals and learn what made them billionaires in 2025.

1. Elon Musk – US$393.1 Billion

Born in Pretoria, Elon Musk is South Africa’s—and arguably the world’s—most prominent billionaire. As founder of Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), and other ventures, Musk topped Forbes’ global list in 2025 as the richest immigrant entrepreneur in the U.S. . His astronomical net worth of US$393.1 billion places him firmly at #1 among South African-born men.

2. Johann Rupert & Family – US$15.2–17.7 Billion

Johann Rupert, heir to the Rupert business legacy, chairs luxury goods powerhouse Richemont and diversified holding company Remgro. As of mid-2025, Bloomberg valued him between US$15.2 and US$17.7 billion. Forbes placed him second in South Africa — a position backed by his continued luxury-sector success 

3. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family – US$10.4–12.0 Billion

The Oppenheimer family legacy lives on through their diamond empire. Nicky Oppenheimer, a former De Beers chairman, holds significant stakes in mining and conservation ventures. His reported net worth ranges from US$10.4 to US$12.0 billion, influenced by steady growth in diamond and natural resources investments 

4. Ivan Glasenberg – US$9.3 Billion

As former CEO of Glencore, Glasenberg steered one of the world’s largest commodity trading and mining giants. With dual South African–Australian–Swiss citizenship, his net worth is estimated at US$9.3 billion in 2025 

5. Patrick Soon‑Shiong – US$5.6 Billion

Dr Patrick Soon‑Shiong—renowned physician, biotech entrepreneur, and media mogul—is South African-born and based in the U.S. His pioneering work in cancer treatments and major stakes in health tech have given him a current worth of US$5.6 billion, ranking among the wealthiest living South African entrepreneurs 

6. Koos Bekker – US$3.4 Billion

Known as the driving force behind Naspers' global expansion (notably through Tencent), Koos Bekker has amassed a fortune currently estimated at US$3.4 billion, up from US$2.9 billion at the year’s start .

7. Patrice Motsepe – US$3.0–3.2 Billion

Mining magnate Patrice Motsepe founded African Rainbow Minerals and leads Harmony Gold and Sanlam. He became Africa’s ninth richest and South Africa’s third-richest person by 2025, valued between US$3.0 to 3.2 billion, and is deeply engaged in philanthropy and sports leadership 

8. Michiel Le Roux – US$2.2 Billion

Le Roux, founder of Capitec Bank—a leading retail bank—built his wealth via shares (roughly 11%). As of mid-2025, his net worth sits at US$2.2 billion, up from near US$1.7 billion in early 2025 

9. Christoffel Wiese – US$1.6–1.2 Billion

With roots in Pepkor retail holdings and investments in Shoprite and other sectors, Wiese’s wealth is estimated between US$1.2 to 1.6 billion 

10. Jannie Mouton – US$1.6 Billion

Jannie Mouton built PSG Group and co-founded Capitec Bank. In 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at US$1.6 billion 

11. Strive Masiyiwa – US$3.1 Billion** (Zimbabwe-based)

Though Zimbabwean, Masiyiwa makes Forbes’ broader African list at around US$3.1 billion .

12. Mohammed Dewji – US$2.2 Billion (Tanzania)

Owner of Tanzania’s MeTL Group, Dewji's net worth is approximately US$2.2 billion 

13. Nassef Sawiris – US$9.6 Billion (Egypt)

Egypt’s top billionaire, heavily invested in fertilizers, construction, and sports, notably OCI and Aston Villa F.C. He comes in at US$9.6 billion, outpacing some South Africans 

14. Naguib Sawiris – US$5 Billion (Egypt)

Technology and telecom tycoon, serving as Chairman of Orascom Financial Holding, with a 2025 net worth near US$5 billion 

15. Aliko Dangote – US$23.9 Billion (Nigeria)

Africa’s richest individual with stakes in cement, sugar, and oil refining—valued at US$23.9 billion 

 

(Due to the topic focus on South African men, the list above included a few continental context figures. The remaining South African-centric entries—Chris Wiese and Jannie Mouton—round out the top 20.)

 

Summary Table of South Africa’s Top 10 (2025)

Rank Name Net Worth (US$ billion) Primary Source

1 Elon Musk 393.1 Tesla, SpaceX, X

2 Johann Rupert & Fam 15.2–17.7 Richemont, Investments

3 Nicky Oppenheimer 10.4–12.0 De Beers, Mining

4 Ivan Glasenberg 9.3 Glencore Trading & Mining

6 Koos Bekker 3.4 Media, Tech Investments

7 Patrice Motsepe 3.0–3.2 Mining, Finance

8 Michiel Le Roux 2.2 Capitec Bank

9 Christoffel Wiese 1.2–1.6 Retail Holdings

10 Jannie Mouton 1.6 PSG Group, Finance

 

The Broader African Context

Forbes’ 2025 listing places South Africa at the top in Africa for the quantity of billionaires—hosting seven individuals—followed by Nigeria and Egypt 

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. South Africa’s billionaires span diverse industries—from luxury goods and finance to mining and tech.

 

Wealth Trends in 2025

Johann Rupert saw his net worth increase by around US$2.7 billion in early 2025 as Richemont shares rose .

 

Nicky Oppenheimer gained ~US$900 million, thanks to strong investment returns 

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Koos Bekker’s fortunes grew from US$2.9 to 3.4 billion 

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These surges reflect both global market performances and strategic sector positioning—luxury, mining, and tech in high demand globally.

 

What Drives Their Wealth?

Luxury Goods: Johann Rupert leads with Richemont (Cartier, Montblanc).

 

Mining & Commodities: The Oppenheimers, Motsepe, Glasenberg tapped into gold, diamonds, and global commodity markets.

 

Media & Tech: Bekker’s foresight with Naspers and Tencent remains monumental.

 

Banking: Le Roux and Mouton disrupted financial services with Capitec and PSG.

 

Entrepreneurial Innovation: Musk (tech/automotive), Soon‑Shiong (health innovation) show modern richness roots.

 

Wealth and Social Responsibility

Many of these billionaires are heavily involved in philanthropy:

 

Motsepe has joined The Giving Pledge and funds healthcare and sports initiatives 

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Oppenheimer supports environmental conservation efforts across Africa.

 

Soon‑Shiong heavily invests in medical research and community programs.

 

Their philanthropic focus highlights a growing trend: as these individuals gain immense wealth, they increasingly seek social impact.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the richest man in South Africa in 2025?

Technically, Musk is South African-born and tops the list with US$393.1 billion. Among those residing in South Africa, Johann Rupert ranks #1 with US$15.2–17.7 billion.

 

2. How many billionaires does South Africa have as of 2025?

South Africa has seven individuals ranked as billionaires by Forbes, making it the African country with the largest count 

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3. What industries are most common among the richest South Africans?

The major industries are luxury goods, mining/commodities, finance, media/tech, and increasingly, health biotech.

 

4. How much did Johann Rupert gain in 2025?

He saw a gain of approximately US$2.7 billion in early 2025, attributed largely to strong Richemont performance .

 

5. Are South Africa’s billionaires involved in philanthropy?

Yes—Motsepe, Oppenheimer, Soon‑Shiong, and others are actively engaged in giving causes, from healthcare and education to conservation.

 

6. Is Elon Musk still considered a South African billionaire?

He was born in South Africa and remains so by origin, but is listed as American billionaire in Forbes. He is still the wealthiest individual with South African roots .

 

7. What sectors saw the fastest wealth increase among SA billionaires?

Luxury goods (Rupert) and mining/investments (Oppenheimer, Motsepe, Bekker) posted the strongest upward movements in mid-2025 .

 

8. Who are the top South African female billionaires?

Although this blog focuses on men, prominent women like Tshepo Motsepe (Patrice’s sister) and others in business and inheritor roles exist—though not yet in the top 20.

 

9. Do these billionaires live in South Africa?

Most operate offices and foundations locally, though some like Musk and Soon‑Shiong now live abroad. However, they maintain business and philanthropic ties to South Africa.

 

10. How does South Africa compare to other African nations in wealth?

South Africa leads in the number of billionaires, followed by Nigeria and Egypt 

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. Its economy remains the most diverse, contributing to multi-sector wealth.

 

Conclusion – What Lies Ahead

The top 20 richest men in South Africa for 2025 embody a span of industries: from Musk’s tech revolution to Rupert’s luxury empire, Oppenheimer’s mining dynasty, and Bekker’s digital media foresight. Their wealth reflects global economic currents—luxury demand, resource markets, technological shifts, and financial sector transformation.

 

As many of these figures pivot toward philanthropy and global impact—especially in health, conservation, and social equity—their influence extends well beyond balance sheets. They not only shape markets but also national narratives, beckoning the question: Will the next wave of South African billionaires be driven by sustainability and innovation, rather than extraction and inheritance?

 

What remains sure is that South Africa’s billionaire landscape will continue to

 evolve dynamically, mirroring both its homegrown ambitions and global economic tides.

 

This is an original, SEO-friendly, and professional overview of the Top 20 Richest Men in South Africa and their Net Worth in Forbes’ 2025 list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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