South Africa is home to some of the most successful and wealthiest celebrities in Africa, and many of them have become household names due to their talent, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit. However, what sets some of these stars apart is that despite their immense wealth and fame, they did not complete formal education. In fact, a number of South Africa’s wealthiest and most influential personalities are school dropouts. These celebrities have proven that success doesn’t always require a degree—passion, talent, and determination can take you just as far.

Here are five of the richest South African celebrities who didn’t complete their formal education but managed to build empires, proving that success comes in many forms.

1. Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (AKA)

The late AKA, one of South Africa’s most celebrated and successful hip-hop artists, is an example of someone who achieved immense wealth and success without finishing school. Born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, the Fela In Versace hitmaker dropped out of Wits University where he was studying for a degree in Sound Engineering. AKA had always been passionate about music and decided to follow his dreams full-time, leaving academia behind.

His decision to drop out of school didn’t hold him back, as he went on to become one of the most influential and wealthiest rappers in South Africa. With a career spanning over a decade, AKA amassed millions through his music, endorsement deals, business ventures, and brand collaborations. His successful music career, with hits like “All Eyes on Me” and “Baddest,” earned him millions, making him one of the wealthiest South African artists before his tragic passing in 2023.

AKA’s story is a testament to the fact that passion for your craft can lead to success, even without formal education.

2. Cassper Nyovest

Another South African celebrity who proved that you don’t need a degree to succeed is Cassper Nyovest. Born Refiloe Maele Phoolo, Cassper Nyovest is one of the most prominent hip-hop artists in Africa. Like AKA, Cassper also dropped out of high school to pursue his career in music. He later mentioned that he had always been more interested in music and the entertainment industry rather than academics.

His bold decision paid off, and Cassper became one of South Africa’s richest musicians, with an estimated net worth of millions of dollars. Cassper’s wealth comes from his music sales, concerts, business investments, and multiple brand endorsements. His successful record label, Family Tree, as well as his ventures into fashion, sports, and more, have solidified his position as one of the wealthiest figures in the South African entertainment industry.

Cassper’s story demonstrates that with hard work, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of one’s passion, it’s possible to achieve incredible wealth and success without the conventional path of higher education.

3. Bonang Matheba

One of South Africa’s most influential and wealthy media personalities, Bonang Matheba, is another celebrity who proved that a degree isn’t necessary to reach the top. Bonang dropped out of North West University after just a year of studying Marketing. She quickly realized that her true passion lay in entertainment, particularly television hosting and media, so she decided to leave school and pursue her dreams full-time.

Bonang went on to become a household name in South Africa, building an empire through her TV shows, radio appearances, public speaking engagements, and business ventures. She also launched her own Bonang Matheba brand, which includes a successful “House of BNG” sparkling wine brand, making her one of the wealthiest self-made women in South Africa.

Her net worth has been estimated in the millions, and her incredible career trajectory has made her a role model for young South Africans, especially women, who dream of building successful businesses and careers without the traditional path of academia.

4. Sizwe Dhlomo

Sizwe Dhlomo is another South African celebrity who made it big without a formal education. Sizwe dropped out of Wits University, where he had been pursuing a degree in Politics and International Relations. He decided to take a leap of faith in the entertainment industry, initially gaining fame as a TV presenter on MTV Base.

As one of the most popular television personalities in South Africa, Sizwe later diversified into entrepreneurship, investing in a number of businesses, including fashion and tech. His ventures, alongside his media work, have contributed significantly to his wealth. Sizwe Dhlomo’s estimated net worth is believed to be in the millions, and he continues to enjoy success in the media and business worlds.

Sizwe’s story is another example of how stepping off the conventional path to pursue your passions can lead to tremendous success. His journey also serves as a reminder that experience, networking, and skill-building can sometimes be just as valuable as a formal degree.

5. DJ Maphorisa

DJ Maphorisa, born Themba Sekowe, is one of South Africa’s top music producers and DJs. Known for his work in Afrobeat, house, and hip hop, DJ Maphorisa made a name for himself both locally and internationally. Interestingly, he did not complete his schooling and dropped out of school in Pretoria to focus on music, a passion he had since his teenage years.

His decision to leave education in favor of his passion for music paid off in a massive way. DJ Maphorisa is now one of the most sought-after producers in the South African music industry, with a number of hits under his belt. He has produced tracks for artists like Wizkid, Drake, and Kabza De Small, and is also a co-founder of the popular music duo Scorpion Kings. DJ Maphorisa’s wealth comes from his multiple music production deals, his collaboration with major international artists, and his popular performances around the world.

His journey from dropping out of school to becoming a music industry titan highlights how dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit can lead to success—even without formal education.

Conclusion: Breaking the Mold of Conventional Success

The stories of these wealthy South African celebrities who dropped out of school prove that success does not always follow a straight, conventional path. While education is undeniably important, these celebrities have shown that passion, creativity, and perseverance are often the real drivers of success. By taking risks, trusting their instincts, and pursuing their dreams, they have managed to amass fortunes and build lasting legacies.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, musicians, and entertainers, these figures serve as inspirations, demonstrating that formal education is not the only route to success. With the right mindset, drive, and a willingness to learn from real-world experiences, anyone can build their own empire—no matter where they start.