Mzansi 8 Richest Men Have a Combined Fortune of R700 Billion: Meet the Billionaires at the Top

South Africa is home to some of the wealthiest businesspeople in the world, with eight of its richest men having a combined fortune estimated at approximately R700 billion.

The latest figures from the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List, published on 2 November 2026, show just how much wealth these business figures have built through industries such as banking, mining, luxury goods, retail and media.

Leading the list is businessman Johann Rupert, whose estimated fortune stands at $15.5 billion (approximately R257 billion). Much of his wealth comes from his involvement in Richemont, the international luxury goods company behind famous brands such as Cartier and Montblanc.

In second place is diamond businessman Nicky Oppenheimer, with an estimated net worth of $10.6 billion. His family’s wealth has strong links to the diamond industry, particularly through its historic connection with De Beers.

Michiel Le Roux, the co-founder of Capitec Bank, takes third place with an estimated fortune of $3.6 billion. He is followed by mining businessman Patrice Motsepe, whose wealth is estimated at $3.3 billion.

In fifth place is Koos Bekker, chairman of Naspers, with an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion. His business interests have played a major role in the media and technology industries.

The remaining positions are occupied by Jannie Mouton, founder of PSG Group, with $2.5 billion, retail businessman Christo Wiese with $1.8 billion, and South African-born entrepreneur Paul van Zuydam, associated with Le Creuset, with $1.6 billion.

Together, the eight businessmen have an estimated wealth of $42.1 billion.

The figures are based on Forbes estimates and can change as company shares, investments and currency values move.

Their success also raises an interesting question about wealth and business opportunities in South Africa.

Which of these eight businessmen do you think has made the biggest impact on the South African economy?

South Africa’s 8 richest men worth a staggering R700 billion

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