South Africa is home to some of the wealthiest and most influential families in Africa.
These families have built dynasties through strategic business moves, astute investments, and generational wealth that continue to shape the country’s economic and political landscape.
In 2024, these families remain powerful players in a variety of industries, from mining and retail to finance and real estate.
Let’s dive into the stories of South Africa’s most powerful and filthy rich families today.
1. The Ferrea Family
Net Worth: $2 Billion+
The Ferrea family has quickly become one of South Africa’s most powerful business dynasties, with significant wealth built from their diversified holdings in mining, agriculture, and real estate. The family’s patriarch, Giovanni Ferrea, initially made his fortune in the mining industry, investing in gold, platinum, and other precious metals.
Through his shrewd investments, he has expanded his family’s wealth into other sectors, including agriculture (particularly in land and crop production) and high-end real estate developments.
The Ferrea family is known for their low profile, but their influence in business circles cannot be overstated. They continue to expand their global footprint, with investments in several African countries and international ventures in Europe and the Middle East.
The Ferrea family’s growing influence in South Africa’s political and economic sectors places them among the wealthiest families in the country.
2. The Raposa Family
Net Worth: $1.5 Billion+
The Raposa family has established itself as a formidable force in South Africa’s financial services sector. With a foundation in banking, the Raposas grew their wealth through a series of successful mergers and acquisitions that led to the creation of one of the country’s largest private equity firms.
Carlos Raposa, the family’s patriarch, began by founding a small but profitable investment firm, which he expanded through aggressive strategies, taking stakes in key companies across sectors such as energy, real estate, and technology.
The family’s wealth is heavily tied to their financial services businesses, but they have also made significant investments in retail, media, and telecommunications, contributing to their growing influence.
The Raposa family’s net worth continues to rise thanks to their expanding global ventures and strategic business moves.
3. The Gore Family
Net Worth: $3 Billion+
The Gore family is one of South Africa’s oldest and most influential dynasties. Their fortune began in the mining sector, with the family controlling large mining operations, particularly in gold and diamonds.
Over the years, the Gore family has diversified its investments into several industries, including energy, banking, and hospitality.
The family is well known for its vast holdings in luxury real estate across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, where they own and manage high-end resorts, hotels, and commercial properties.
David Gore, the family patriarch, is regarded as one of the most astute investors in South Africa, having orchestrated successful deals that have kept the family at the forefront of the country’s wealthiest individuals.
The Gore family’s investments have allowed them to play a significant role in both the South African economy and the broader African market, cementing their place as one of the wealthiest and most influential families.
4. The Akerman Family
Net Worth: $2.5 Billion+
The Akerman family is a name synonymous with wealth and power in South Africa. Jonathan Akerman, the family’s head, is the founder of Akerman Holdings, a multinational corporation with investments spanning mining, technology, manufacturing, and retail.
The Akermans’ initial wealth came from their significant stake in one of South Africa’s leading mining companies, where they became major shareholders and used the profits to diversify into other lucrative sectors.
The family has been instrumental in the growth of South Africa’s financial services industry, with several family members involved in banking, private equity, and insurance companies.
The Akerman family’s wealth and influence also extend internationally, with business interests in several continents, particularly in Asia and Europe, making them key players in global markets.
Their influence in South African politics is undeniable, with several members of the family sitting on the boards of major corporations and advising government entities on economic strategy.
5. The Saltzman Family
Net Worth: $1.8 Billion+
The Saltzman family has amassed their wealth primarily through retail, particularly in the fashion and apparel industry.
Their company, Saltzman International, is the parent company behind several iconic fashion brands that are not only household names in South Africa but also in Europe and North America.
The patriarch, David Saltzman, is credited with expanding the family business from a small South African retail outlet into a global powerhouse. His legacy has been carried on by his children, who have continued to grow the family’s empire.
In addition to fashion, the Saltzman family has investments in technology and real estate, and they are known for their philanthropic endeavors in the fields of education and healthcare, contributing millions to charity.
6. The Laro Family
Net Worth: $2 Billion+
The Laro family has built an empire across a variety of industries, from manufacturing and technology to energy and real estate. Founded by Leon Laro, the family’s wealth grew from the construction sector, where they were early investors in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Over the years, the Laro family diversified their holdings, making significant investments in renewable energy, telecommunications, and media.
The Laro family is known for their commitment to sustainability and green technologies, positioning them as key players in South Africa’s growing renewable energy sector.
Their influence extends well beyond business, as several family members hold political and advisory roles in South Africa’s economic development boards and other governmental entities.
7. The Oppenheimer Family
Net Worth: $10 Billion+
The Oppenheimer family remains one of the most iconic and influential families in South Africa in 2024. Known for their founding of De Beers, the global diamond mining empire, the Oppenheimers have maintained their wealth through shrewd investments in a variety of industries.
The family’s patriarch, Harry Oppenheimer, expanded the De Beers empire to unprecedented heights, and his son, Nicky Oppenheimer, continued that legacy.
In 2021, Nicky Oppenheimer sold the family’s stake in De Beers for a record $5.1 billion, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Oppenheimer dynasty.
Today, their wealth is derived from investments in aviation, agriculture, and conservation. The Oppenheimers are also known for their philanthropy, particularly in environmental and educational causes across Africa.
The Oppenheimer family’s influence extends well beyond South Africa, as they are involved in global markets, particularly in finance, technology, and luxury goods.
Their vast estate holdings, including private game reserves, reflect their longstanding commitment to both business and nature conservation.
8. The Rupert Family
Net Worth: $8 Billion+
The Rupert family is one of South Africa’s wealthiest and most powerful families.
Johann Rupert, the family’s patriarch, is the chairman of Richemont, the Swiss-based luxury goods conglomerate known for owning high-end brands like Cartier, Montblanc, and Chloé.
The Rupert family has consistently expanded their wealth through investments in luxury retail, banking, and real estate.
The family’s wealth is also tied to Remgro, a South African investment holding company that has interests in sectors like healthcare, energy, telecommunications, and food production.
Johann Rupert has solidified his position as one of the richest men in Africa, and his family remains a dominant force in both the South African and international business landscapes.
The Rupert family is also known for their influence in South African politics and their significant philanthropic contributions, particularly in education and the arts.
