Entrepreneurs, investors, and financial researchers want to know who the wealthiest people in South Africa are in 2025.
This article gives you a detailed breakdown of the richest men in South Africa in 2025, their estimated net worth in US dollars, how they built their fortunes, the industries they dominate, and how they compare on the Forbes Billionaires List and other wealth rankings.
Whether you’re studying South Africa’s economy, looking for investment inspiration, or simply curious about who holds the most money in the country, this guide has everything you need.
Who Are the Richest Men in South Africa in 2025?
The richest men in South Africa in 2025 lead industries like mining, finance, luxury goods, media, agriculture, and real estate. Many of them are self-made, while others inherited family businesses and expanded them globally.
Let’s now look at the official ranking of the top 10 richest South African men in 2025 and how much each is worth in US dollars.
1. Johann Rupert – Net Worth: $11.2 Billion
Johann Rupert remains the richest man in South Africa in 2025. He is the chairman of Richemont, the luxury goods group behind brands like Cartier and Montblanc.
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Main income sources: Luxury goods, investments, real estate
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Estimated net worth (2025): $11.2 billion
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Other roles: Investor in Remgro and Reinet
Rupert built his wealth by investing early in Swiss watchmaking and luxury fashion. His influence extends across Europe, Africa, and the United States.
2. Natie Kirsh – Net Worth: $7.4 Billion
Natie Kirsh controls investments in wholesale trading, property, and logistics through Jetro Holdings.
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Main income sources: Retail, property, logistics
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Estimated net worth (2025): $7.4 billion
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Notable holdings: Metro Cash & Carry, Jetro Cash & Carry in the US
He is known for transforming retail operations and expanding them across continents.
3. Koos Bekker – Net Worth: $6.1 Billion
Koos Bekker made his fortune in media and technology by transforming Naspers into a global internet giant.
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Main income sources: Media, technology, investments
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Estimated net worth (2025): $6.1 billion
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Known for: Early investment in Tencent (China)
Bekker’s strategic vision helped Naspers become a global powerhouse with interests in tech and online platforms.
4. Christo Wiese – Net Worth: $4.8 Billion
Christo Wiese is a retail mogul and investor, best known for his role in expanding Shoprite into Africa’s largest supermarket chain.
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Main income sources: Retail, property, investments
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Estimated net worth (2025): $4.8 billion
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Known for: Turnaround of Pepkor and Shoprite
Wiese’s wealth comes from decades of retail expansion and strategic acquisitions.
5. Michiel le Roux – Net Worth: $4.1 Billion
Michiel le Roux founded Capitec Bank, a revolutionary low-cost banking model in South Africa.
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Main income sources: Banking, investments
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Estimated net worth (2025): $4.1 billion
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Achievement: Making banking accessible to millions of South Africans
Le Roux has redefined the South African banking landscape through innovation and customer focus.
6. Gerrit Coppen – Net Worth: $3.7 Billion
Gerrit Coppen earned his fortune in construction, cement, and property development.
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Main income sources: Construction, property, cement
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Estimated net worth (2025): $3.7 billion
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Notable companies: PPC Ltd, real estate projects
His businesses have contributed to South Africa’s infrastructure growth.
7. Solly Angel – Net Worth: $3.2 Billion
Solly Angel is an investor and industrialist with stakes in telecommunications and manufacturing.
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Main income sources: Telecoms, manufacturing, investment
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Estimated net worth (2025): $3.2 billion
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Known for: Leadership in industrial conglomerates
Angel has diversified interests in key growth sectors of the South African economy.
8. Patrice Motsepe – Net Worth: $2.9 Billion
Patrice Motsepe is Africa’s most prominent Black billionaire and a mining magnate.
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Main income sources: Mining, finance, sports
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Estimated net worth (2025): $2.9 billion
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Known for: Founder of African Rainbow Minerals, President of CAF
Motsepe has also made significant contributions to philanthropy and sports development.
9. Michiel van der Walt – Net Worth: $2.7 Billion
Michiel van der Walt built his fortune in agriculture and agro-processing industries.
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Main income sources: Agriculture, real estate, investments
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Estimated net worth (2025): $2.7 billion
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Specialty: Sustainable farming and exports
He has helped modernize South Africa’s agricultural sector and expanded exports globally.
10. Stephen Saad – Net Worth: $2.3 Billion
Stephen Saad co-founded Aspen Pharmacare, Africa’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer.
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Main income sources: Pharmaceuticals, health care
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Estimated net worth (2025): $2.3 billion
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Known for: Global supplier of affordable generic medicines
Saad has grown Aspen into a global player in the health care sector.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in South Africa 2025
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (USD) | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johann Rupert | $11.2B | Luxury Goods & Investment |
| 2 | Natie Kirsh | $7.4B | Retail & Property |
| 3 | Koos Bekker | $6.1B | Media & Technology |
| 4 | Christo Wiese | $4.8B | Retail & Property |
| 5 | Michiel le Roux | $4.1B | Banking & Finance |
| 6 | Gerrit Coppen | $3.7B | Construction & Cement |
| 7 | Solly Angel | $3.2B | Telecoms & Industry |
| 8 | Patrice Motsepe | $2.9B | Mining & Finance |
| 9 | Michiel van der Walt | $2.7B | Agriculture & Property |
| 10 | Stephen Saad | $2.3B | Pharmaceuticals |
Key Lessons from South Africa’s Wealthiest Men
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Start early and scale globally: Many built empires over decades.
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Diversify your investments: From mining to tech to banking.
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Invest in essential industries: Like food, energy, and finance.
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Stay resilient during downturns: Adapt to economic cycles.
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Give back to society: Many are active in philanthropy and education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the richest man in South Africa in 2025?
Johann Rupert with an estimated net worth of $11.2 billion.
How many billionaires are in South Africa?
At least 10 South Africans are billionaires as of 2025.
What industries create the most wealth in South Africa?
Luxury goods, mining, retail, banking, and technology.
Are these billionaires self-made?
Most of them are self-made, though some inherited businesses and grew them further.
How does South Africa rank in African wealth?
It remains one of Africa’s top economies with several billionaires on the Forbes list.
Are there any women billionaires in South Africa?
Few, but the number of wealthy women entrepreneurs is growing.
Do these billionaires invest outside South Africa?
Yes. Many have businesses and properties in Europe, the US, and across Africa.
Do they pay taxes in South Africa?
They comply with tax laws, but often use international structures for efficiency.
Are they philanthropists?
Yes. Many fund schools, hospitals, and community development programs.
Can ordinary South Africans invest in their companies?
Yes. Several of their companies are publicly listed on the JSE and accessible to investors.
Final Thoughts on South Africa’s Richest Men in 2025
The top 10 richest men in South Africa in 2025 show that wealth comes from long-term vision, smart investments, and diversification. Despite economic challenges, they’ve built companies that create jobs, influence markets, and inspire entrepreneurs.
If you’re looking for business inspiration, investment guidance, or economic insight, studying their strategies is a smart starting point.