South Africa had 8 billionaires as of 2026, according to Forbes. How many billionaires are in South Africa, and who is the richest? The wealthiest is Johann Rupert and family, worth about $14 billion as of 2026, with fortune from fashion, retail and luxury goods. This guide profiles the nation's richest and where they are based.
South Africa is home to some ultra-wealthy individuals, with Johann Rupert & family having the highest net worth of about $14 billion as of 2026. The industries that allow them to become rich are Fashion & Retail, Luxury goods, Diamonds, Metals & Mining, Media & Entertainment, and Banking.
How many billionaires are in South Africa?
South Africa is home to a total of 8 billionaires as of 2026, according to Forbes.
Top 5 Billionaires in South Africa 2026
Who has the highest net worth in South Africa?
1. Johann Rupert & family
Johann Rupert, born in 1950, is a male, self-made billionaire, ranked 165th in the world in terms of wealth in 2026 with a net worth of about $14 billion. As of 2026, Johann Rupert & family is worth approximately $14 billion. His business interests span across the Fashion & Retail and Luxury goods industries. His source of wealth is primarily from the Fashion & Retail industry. In recent years, Rupert has expanded his luxury brand portfolio internationally, strengthening his global market presence.
2. Nicky Oppenheimer & family
Nicky Oppenheimer, born in 1945, is a male, non-self-made billionaire with a net worth of about $10.4 billion in 2026, ranking 258th in the world. As of 2026, Nicky Oppenheimer & family is worth approximately $10.4 billion. His wealth comes from Diamonds and he is associated with Metals & Mining industries. Oppenheimer has also increased his philanthropic efforts focused on conservation and education in South Africa.
3. Patrice Motsepe
Patrice Motsepe was born in 1962 and is a self-made male billionaire. In 2026, he is ranked 1219 in terms of wealth worldwide with a net worth of about $3 billion. As of 2026, Patrice Motsepe is worth approximately $3 billion. His source of wealth is mining and he is associated with the metals and mining industries. Motsepe continues to diversify his investments into financial services and renewable energy sectors.
4. Koos Bekker
Koos Bekker, born in 1952, is a self-made male billionaire with a net worth of about $3.4 billion in 2026, and ranked 1072 in terms of wealth worldwide. As of 2026, Koos Bekker is worth approximately $3.4 billion. His main source of wealth is Media & Entertainment, and he has investments in Media & Entertainment industries. Bekker has recently been involved in digital media startups and expanding his influence in African tech ecosystems.
5. Michiel Le Roux
Michiel Le Roux, born in 1949, is a self-made male billionaire with a net worth of about $2.2 billion in 2026, ranking 1626 in the world. As of 2026, Michiel Le Roux is worth approximately $2.2 billion. His business operates in the finance and investments category, and his source of wealth is banking. He has business interests in the finance and investments industries. Le Roux has also played a key role in promoting fintech innovation in South Africa.
Sources:
Forbes Billionaires List 2026
Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2026
List of South Africans by net worth (Wikipedia, citing Forbes, March 2026)
Last updated: June 19, 2026
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