The rich keep on getting richer...

According to Forbes' Real-Time Billionaire list, the six wealthiest individuals in South Africa experienced an increase in their net worth in 2024. It is essential to understand that Forbes calculates net worth based on the value of the assets owned by these individuals and/or families, which includes private companies, art, and real estate, rather than the liquid cash available in their bank accounts.

List of the Billionaires

1. Johann Rupert and family - $11.4 billion (+$1.1 billion from 2023)

2. Nicky Oppenheimer and family - $9.5 billion (+$1.2 billion from 2023)

3. Koos Becker - $2.8 billion (+$0.4 billion from 2023)

4. Dr Patrice Motsepe - $2.7 billion (+$0.3 billion from 2023)

5. Michiel Le Roux - $1.7 billion (+$0.6 billion from 2023)

6. Christo Wiese - $1.6 billion (+$0.6 billion from 2023)

What does each own

• Johann Rupert and Family
  

  Johann Rupert, hailing from a lineage that includes a father who was a prominent entrepreneur in the tobacco industry, has significantly enhanced his father's legacy while also making a profound impact on the business landscape in South Africa and beyond. He and his family are the proprietors of Richemont, Remgro, and Reinet, which they have strategically utilized to diversify their investment portfolio. These are some of the companies that they own in their investment portfolio that contribute immensely to their wealth, through their ownership of the above mentioned companies: 1. Mediclinic - This is South Africa's largest private hospital operator, operating in Southern Africa, Middle East and Switzerland. Rupert owns Mediclinic through Remgro's 50% interest in Mediclinic. 2. Heineken and Distell - Remgro currently owns 18.8% of Heineken. 3. RCL Foods and Rainbow Chicken - Remgro owns approximately 80%+ RCL foods; etc.
  

• Nicky Oppenheimer and Family This family possesses a substantial legacy in the mining industry, with the grandfather, Ernest Oppenheimer, establishing one of the largest mining conglomerates in history, Anglo American. The majority of his wealth is reported to have originated from mining activities, particularly in the diamond trading sector. Subsequently, he expanded his investment portfolio to include a variety of other ventures. Here are some of the companies that Nicky Oppenheimer and Family own which been a huge contributing factor to their wealth: 1. Tana Africa Capital - Oppenheimer founded this company with his partnership with Tamesek Holdings, specialising in strategic investments across various industries. 2. Oppenheimer Generations - This company overseas global interests of the family, including Oppenheimer Partners which owns 100% of GZ industries Ltd which serves as a major supplier to brands like Coca-Cola in West Africa. 3. Fireblade Aviation - This is a Private Aviation company offering VIP aviation services with a state of the art fleet. 4. Shangani Ranch - This is a wildlife sanctuary situated in Zimbabwe. 5. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve - Offers true wilderness experience in the Kalahari. 6. IDH Holdings - Private equity investments in top companies. 7. 4DI Capital - Venture Capital Firm investing in technology start-ups. 8. Stockdale Street - Private Equity Firm. 9. The Brenthurst Foundation - Sustainable growth initiatives.
  

• Koos Bekker Bekker has acquired most of his wealth from the media industry. Some of the companies that he owns which have contributed immensely to his wealth are: 1. M-Net - This was one of the first two-pay television services outside the United States. 2. MTN - Bekker was a founding director of the South African telecommunications company, operating in African and Asian countries. 3. Naspers - Bekker refused to take a salary as Naspers CEO and was compensated in Naspers stock. 4. Babylorian Estate - A 600 acres property in the Cape Winelands offering various hospitality services.
  

• Dr Patrice Motsepe Most of Motsepe's wealth was acquired through the mining industry. He has since diversified his portfolio into different industries. These are some of the companies that he owns that contribute immensely to his wealth: 1. African Rainbow Minerals - Motsepe owns 40.37% of ARM which deals coal, platinum, gold, copper and iron. 2. Ubuntu-Botho - Motsepe owns 17.8% of Sanlam through Ubuntu-Botho Investments and currently serves as Sanlam's deputy chairperson. 3. African Rainbow Capital - This a 100%-owned subsidiary of Ubuntu-Botho Investment focusing on opportunities in the South African and African financial services and diversified investments. 4. Blue Bules Company - Motsepe acquired 37% in the company to complement his investment in Mamelodi Sundowns, back in 2019. The rest are acquired through the other above-mentioned companies such as African Rainbow Capital.
  

• Michiel Le Roux Le Roux is mostly known for his incredible work for the co-founding and growing of Capitec Bank, which is today, South African's largest commercial bank. These are some of the companies that he owns which have contributed immensely to his wealth: 1. Capitec Bank - Le Roux owns 11% of Capitec Bank. 2. Zeder Investments 3. Capital Alliance Holdings Limited 4. South African Trust Fund
  

• Christo Wiese Christo Wiese is mostly knows for the pivotal role he played in Shoprite and Pep stores' success. These are some of the companies that he owns which have contributed to his wealth immensely: 1. Shoprite - Wiese has been reported to own 10.67% of Shoprite, making him the second largest shareholder. 2. Pepkor - Weise owns a 5% stake in Pepkor, the chain of Pep stores. 3. Invicta Holdings - Weise owns a whooping 37.57% stake in Invicta holdings. 4. Trade Hold - Weise owns a 11.9% stake in Trade Hold.
  

Did this blog inform and educate you?

• Yes
• No

Thank you for reading and I will see you next week. Don't forget to subscribe to our email list. Ads for the week 1. Back to school season is here. Get your stationary today. Click on the link below to place your order today. https://wa.me/qr/YJKA4EX5KJDNE1

2. Freshers' Sunday is around the corner. Fund a first year student from Wits and/or UJ's journey with God by just R35 by introducing and planting them at CRC Church immediately at the inception of their university journey. Contact Kaya on this number for more details - 060 463 3425