Here are the 10 most successful business people in South Africa of all time. So, a successful entrepreneur is an entrepreneur who has made a big impact in a chosen line, made money while building a lucrative business. From cutting edge space technology to reimagined logistics, and innovative business models, here are 25 of the most successful business ideas in South Africa: 1. New World Wealth has released its list of the top 10 business people in South Africa’s history – showing which business leaders have had the greatest impact on the country, and the world. Women Entrepreneurs 1. Patrick Soon-Shiong is a South African-born Chinese surgeon and businessman. Time Magazine named him one of the “Top 30 under 30 people that are changing the world” in 2013. He has founded Royal Electronics, a company that assembles electronics products. The shopping centre that the richest city in Africa is now built around the monolith, Sandton City. It’s no wonder that Maria Ramos tops our list of female entrepreneurs in South Africa and well known South African entrepreneurs in general! He believed in digital marketing and the possibilities of the internet for the African continent. Tunisia follows with 51.0 points. These entrepreneurs are among the most prominent in their field, and information about each well-known entrepreneur from South Africa is included when available. Abasiama Idaresit is one of the most successful African entrepreneurs who managed to be ahead of many businessmen. Are we, the stakeholders who are trying to create fertile ground for individuals who choose this route, destinated to have a similar struggle? The company’s overall vision is to empower all African citizens to become part of the digital community. Find out the top 20 richest men in South Africa this year. Michel M. Katuta and Thabo Mphate. Sol Kerzner. Rembrandt has since been split into Remgro (an investment company with financial, mining and industrial interests) and Richemont (a Swiss-based luxury goods group). Copyright © Blue Sky Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved. so too does the socioeconomic context of South Africa and the attributes and competencies that make successful entrepreneurs. He recently helped to develop Steyn City in Johannesburg, which is one of the most impressive residential estates in the world. She is the leader of South Africa’s opposition party, Democratic Alliance. After initially focusing on the tobacco industry (Peter Stuyvesant), his company soon moved into industrials and luxury goods. Her company has since gone onto transform the luxury residential landscape in South Africa, especially in Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard. At times he is a visionary sending his sports... 2. But what about entrepreneurship itself? Zuko Tisani, 25. Here’s a top 10 list of some of the best entrepreneurs that the country has to offer. Anish Shivdasani and Shafin Anwarsha are the entrepreneurs behind Giraffe, a South African startup business that provides low-cost automated recruitment solutions, based on a mobile app. Sonto Pooe. The South African government recently introduced the Department of Small Business Development to oversee growth and development in the small businesses sector under the leadership of Lindiwe Zulu. He is considered by many to be the father of economic empowerment in South Africa. We stay in Africa and meet Mike Adenuga, one of the most prominent Black entrepreneurs, who is the second richest man in Nigeria and the 3 rd wealthiest man in Africa. Rupert, 68, is a businessman who presently acts as Richemont’s chairman. You may also like: Top 10 Largest Economies in Africa 3. After a successful career as a lawyer at Bowman Gilfillan, Motsepe founded ARM (African Rainbow Minerals) in 1997 and turned it into one of the largest mining and mineral groups in the world. Motsepe is ranked as South Africa’s fifth richest person, with a fortune exceeding R1.3 billion in 2017. Tambo International Airport, Vodacom and Justine amongst others. It was the love of his township and the passion for youth empowerment that led this young entrepreneur to start a youth organisation, which assists youth to find employment equipping them with skills for the workplace. South Africa’s Fearless Businesswomen. Sol Kerzner’s impact on South Africa has been massive. Launched in 2013, it has provided women entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and equipment to initiate and successfully manage their businesses. Image Credit: South African History Online. Using insulation, it allows food that has been brought to the boil to continue cooking for up to 12 hours, without using additional energy. If you're trying to find out the names of famous South African entrepreneurs then this list is the perfect resource for you. All this led Google to name him as one of the 12 brightest young minds in the world in 2011 as well. DETERMINANTS OF BUSINESS SUCCESS FACTORS FOR URBAN BASED FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN SOUTH AFRICA Ogujiuba Kanayo, University of Mpumalanga Nico van Rensburg, University of the Western Cape ABSTRACT Women entrepreneurs in South Africa have grown out in the open, openly contending with their male counterparts. From beauty brands to legal services and even tech start-ups, these are 50 top black entrepreneurs to watch: Joe Phalwane. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship & Marketing and a Higher Diploma in Marketing Communications. Then there is of course Sun City. Address: Regus Business Centre Meet the 2018 class of the 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs In Africa – the remarkable young entrepreneurs transforming Africa as we speak. Postal: Blue Sky Publications (Pty) Ltd T/A TheSouthAfrican, PO Box 44354, Claremont, 7735, South Africa, United Kingdom– Blue Sky Publications Ltd – Company Registration Number: 04683692. According to the Forbes billionaire list 2017, Koos Bekker is estimated to be worth about $2.1 billion U.S dollars. Liebmann is a property entrepreneur and is behind the famous Maboneng Precinct, which is reviving the City of Johanneburg to its former glory. Today the company has a turnover of R100 million. South Africa has become a platform for international companies to expand into Africa; however, many South Africans entrepreneurs have seen the opportunities and created vast business empires. Entrepreneurs are always going to face challenges. From business owners expanding their companies in the townships, to big-time company directors working in SA’s biggest cosmopolitan hubs, more and more of South Africa’s women are leaning into the world of business. Pam Golding, founder of Pam Golding property group is the only woman listed in the top 10, ranked 5th overall for building the biggest real estate group in the country. If you admire the people on this list, you too can learn how become an entrepreneur in Nigeria. Also, in 2000-2006, Wendy Luhabe served as the longest-serving Chairman at Vodacom. Having invented “DryBath” at the age of 17 – a product set to revolutionise sanitation in impoverished areas – Marishane is the founder of Headboy Industries. This article forms part of the Youth Month 2016 series in which SME South Africa, throughout the month of June, will shine the spotlight on youth issues and highlight the work of young social entrepreneurs and innovators who are shaping SA’s future. This historic entrepreneurs from South Africa list can help answer the questions "Who are some South African entrepreneurs of note?" Diana Albertyn completed a BA in Journalism in 2010 and has honed her skills as a newspaper reporter, senior communications specialist: Strategy and media liaison and feature article magazine writer. Alongside his brother Lonwabo, Luvuyo founded Silulo Ulutho Technologies – a company servicing youth and adults in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, equipping them with much-needed computer skills. Address: Riverbank House, 1 Putney Bridge Approach, London, SW6 4TJ. Bottas back on track with F1 testing time as Hamilton shakes off the dust, Grilled Mushroom Caprese Salad – A taste from Italy, PSG address rumours related to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo signings, Lotto and Lotto Plus results for Saturday, 13 March 2021, Daily Lotto results for Saturday, 13 March 2021. The brand’s name implies that the clothing is made for people who aspire to be tomorrow’s moguls, leaders and achievers. He is so dedicated to his product that Marishane was quick to file patent and thus became South Africa’s youngest patent filer. Finally, this study will look at socio-economic challenges of South Africa and role that entrepreneurship could play as a solution. The list applauds successful companies across a number of sectors, but there is a strong technology influence – 17 of the companies headed by these entrepreneurs are either tech-based or have technology as their base, such as through apps or online platforms. South Africa’s successful entrepreneurs 1. The country’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in Africa, and the government is actively looking to attract new players in the oil and other sectors. Tisani, a UCT graduate, went into a corporate development career straight after university but didn’t feel completely fulfilled. The 25-year-old from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape is currently studying at Harvard University in the US in a bid to develop new energy technology, which he hopes will in turn help the planet. How These 10 Super Successful African Entrepreneurs Raised Money To Start Their Businesses Published on February 22, 2016 February 22, ... (South Africa) Photo credit: bbc.com. Africa has become an investment hotspot in recent years. All Mzansi Presents 10 South African Actors who are also Successful Entrepreneurs in real life, Featuring:1. The criteria used to determine the top 10 looked at how the listed individuals influenced the country and the international business community, innovated in their field, created jobs, and overcame challenges and obstacles. As the birthplace of Elon Musk, South Africa is associated with one of the world’s most prolific entrepreneurs as the SpaceX and Tesla founder continues to capture headlines. Johan Rupert sits among the most successful African entrepreneurs in South Africa. List of notable or famous entrepreneurs from South Africa, with bios and photos, including the top entrepreneurs born in South Africa and even some popular entrepreneurs who immigrated to South Africa. A passionate social entrepreneur Malatjie was born 1991 in the rural area of Molati in Limpopo. Isaac Oboth – Ugandan CEO, Media 256. He founded Wild Fusion, a Nigeria-based digital marketing agency. “There tends to be a pattern of advising entrepreneurs to only build globally scalable businesses, which can often lead to entrepreneurs abandoning really good business models that can be incredibly successful here in South Africa, in order to chase a Silicon Valley standard that just isn’t always applicable or necessary.” Her advice regarding entrepreneurship is people should not to shy away from the “boring” parts of running a business. Other business people ranked include ‘legacy’ billionaires such as the late Anton Rupert and as well as the late Harry Oppenheimer – with self-made billionaire Patrice Motsepe also featuring. South Africa has one of the best economies in Africa and is a leader in many sectors. The resort includes the spectacular Lost City, which was added in the 1990s. Tumi Phake, founder of South African health club operator Zenzele Fitness, says building a company with the potential to scale is a conscious decision an entrepreneur should take right at the start. At a young age, Maimane has risen through his political career to be South Africa’s opposition leader, a position he has held since May 2015. 12 on the Sunday Times list of wealthiest businessmen, with R7.2 billion fortune due to his holding in the financial services firm. Southern Africa’s top three entrepreneurs were named at the 22nd Annual EY World Entrepreneur Awards gala dinner in Johannesburg on Wednesday 13 November 2019. Anda Maqanda – South African Founder, AM Group. Xusa is an example of the high calibre of scientists South Africa needs. Here are the most successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria: Rabana is a co-founder of Yeigo Communications, a major software company based in Cape Town. He contrasts this with a “sole proprietor approach”, such as a restaurateur who is happy to have one restaurant where they spend all their time and know most patrons by name. Their apparel is stocked up by major retailers and is featured notably at youth themed events around the country. Here’s how these South African entrepreneurs have successfully expanded their footprint beyond our … This young South African scientist has had NASA name a planet after him, in honour of his work in developing a record-breaking rocket and creating safer, more energy-efficient rocket fuel. With several buildings running under his name one cannot help but think that he is fast becoming the Donald Trump of South Africa. Dr. Anton Rupert founded the Rembrandt Group in the 1940s. Pam Golding formed Pam Golding Properties in 1976 and turned it into the largest estate agency in the country. He accumulated his massive fortune of $5.7 billion through telecom and oil production. South Africa has the next best enabling environment for women entrepreneurs in Africa with a total of 60.4 points while Ghana comes in next with 59.0 points. Currently based in the United Kingdom and doing her MBA at the Henley Business School, Barends has recently been named one of the the Mail&Guardian 200 Young South Africans for 2014. Sol Kerzner’s impact on South Africa has been massive. Since the tender age of 11 Malatjie has always been helping children and youth, as he continues to devote his time to changing the state of his community. In December he invested in a $1-billion fund as part of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, launched by Bill Gates. South African Entrepreneurs – Successful Black Male and Female Entrepreneurs Ludwick Marishane. Marishane was rated the best student entrepreneur in the world at the Global Champion of the Global Student Entrepreneurs Awards in 2011. After Kerzner graduated as a chartered accountant, he took over the running of the group and went on to create the most successful hotel group in South Africa, Sun International. 10 Successful SA Women Entrepreneurs’ Top Advice On Balancing Work And Family ... She has studied a BA Journalism at Monash South Africa and has continued her studies with a Creative Writing degree from UNISA. Here are South Africa’s 20 Richest Men. He has since diversified into a number of other key sectors. Discover the world's research 20+ million members The Wonderbag is a powerless, heat-retention cooker. Despite the many obstacles of the Apartheid government, Richard Maponya became a beacon of hope to the people of Soweto, starting several successful business in the area (predominantly in the retail and property space). She was the first woman to occupy the position and the period was the most successful period of growth for the company. Brand South Africa reporter Four innovative South Africans have been chosen as finalists for the Social Entrepreneur Awards South Africa 2007, in recognition of the positive impact of their achievements in the areas of social change and sustainability. A weak job-creating capacity that has led to chronically high unemployment and – even more significantly –under employment has been a critical contributory factor in … Mbali is one of close to 24,000 small business owners in South Africa who have benefitted from training through the joint programme. Following the above listed young South African under 30 female entrepreneurs, there’s no gainsaying that young South Africans are making good use of every opportunity to make it in life. List of notable or famous entrepreneurs from South Africa, with bios and photos, including the top entrepreneurs born in South Africa and even some popular entrepreneurs who immigrated to South Africa. Six South Africans feature in Forbes Africa’s Most Promising Entrepreneurs under 30 Complete The South African's latest reader survey by 31 March 2021 and win R6000 in cash. Success in South Africa, Vredenburg. Ditshego is the chief executive officer of Ditshego Media, a black-owned public relations company. He has recently been listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30 for 2014. Launched in 2013, it has provided women entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and equipment to initiate and successfully manage their businesses. Entrepreneurs, South Africa, Entrepreneurs’ success, Characteristics, Measure success Abstract ... successful entrepreneurs possess, and that unsuccessful or less successful entrepreneurs, or the “non-entrepreneur”, are thought to lack. Kerzner’s top placing was not only for building the country’s most iconic hotels and resorts, but for the impact they have had on surrounding areas – effectively putting them on the map. Sol Kerzner’s impact on South Africa has been massive. Elon Musk has made international headlines countless times. See Also: The Top 10 Greatest Wealth Creation Secrets Of All Time. What is interesting about these hotels is not so much their success, but rather the impact they have had on the surrounding areas. Some notables include: Sun City, the Lost City, Sandton Sun, the Beverley Hills Hotel, the Elangeni and the Beacon Island Hotel. Since then, Rani has been nominated for an award at the Junior Chamber International Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) in Germany, ten years after he had started his company, which honours ten outstanding young people under the age of 40 each year. 1. As the founder of Liberty Life, Donald Gordon will always be remembered for what surely remains his greatest achievement – the shopping centre that set the benchmark for luxury and class worldwide. The most successful Entrepreneurs in Nigeria. She has learned that: 1st Floor, Block B, North Park, Black River Park, 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa by Erene Roux. Nick saw an opportunity creating in street-wear, and his idea bore fruits when his company “Head Honcho” was launched in 2011. South Africa’s successful entrepreneurs 1. Sol Kerzner. Dr. Nthato Motlana is ‘the renaissance man’ of South Africa, with successful careers in politics, medicine and business. Here are the 10 most successful business people in South Africa of all time. He is now the founder, chairman and CEO of Kerzner International and his career spans more than 45 … Vusi is a world-renowned public speaker, ranked first in Africa for public speaking, who went on to receive a third place at the global English Speaking Union International Competition. On the heels of his success in the electronics business, Jivraj has further expanded his business endeavors to launch … Nic Haralambous is one of the most prolific entrepreneurs, having started ten companies, such as Motribe (which exited to Mxit) and Resolve Mobile, giving him valuable entrepreneurial lessons in the process. Complete The South African's latest reader survey by 31 March 2021 and win R6000 in cash. Forbes Africa called the list “thought-provoking and forward-looking”. A weak job-creating capacity that has led to chronically high unemployment and – even more significantly –under employment has been a critical contributory factor in the country’s persistent poverty and inequality. The resort, which was built by Sol Kerzner in 1979, set the benchmark for casino and golf resorts worldwide. What is your favourite retail rewards programme. It’s not just old-established names, who are trying to benefit from this new initiative but a lot of promising young blood coming to the fore as well. Rupert was also a founding member of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in the 1960s. Since his success in South Africa, Sol Kerzner has built several successful hotels worldwide including: Atlantis Bahamas, Atlantis Dubai, the One & Only Mexico, the One & Only Australia, the One & Only Mauritius and the One & Only Bahamas. She co-founded the business alongside Wilter du Toit and Lungisa Matshoda shortly after completing her studies at the University of Cape Town in 2005. Moreover, Mabuza-Suttle has helped to redefine industry standards in South Africa—helping her to stand out even more among well-known South African entrepreneurs. South Africa's emerging entrepreneurs include (clockwise from top left) Nneile Nkholise, Vusi Thembekwayo, Louw Barnardt and Basetsana Kumalo. Haralambous graduated from Rhodes University with a BA in journalism and politics. With so many amazing accomplishments, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle is a fantastic example of what it means to be a successful businesswoman in South Africa. South Africa’s successful entrepreneurs 1. His client list includes O.R. This vibrant motivational speaker has graced our televisions screens playing advisory roles in various programmes, including SABC’s One Day Leader. Khanyi is the founder and CEO of Ndalo Media(in partnership with media24), Ndalo Luxury Ventures, Destiny Connect and Destiny magazine(s); co-founder of Luminance and a non-exec director of The Foschini Group.She is a formidable force in the world of media- publishing & retailing. South African entrepreneurs Rivo Mhlari. Many insurance companies overseas have now begun to copy the Discovery model and Discovery themselves have taken their products abroad with good success. Chestnut was known for winning races by large margins – he won the J&B Met by over 8 lengths. Time Magazine named him one of the “Top 30 under 30 people that are changing the world” in 2013. Rupert might have been a silver spoon kid; … Johannesburg-based entrepreneur Seola Mashamaite is the founder of Mon-Cal which supplies and repairs laboratory equipment for companies like B. Braun Medical, Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, TACS Laboratories and Exoweld. One of South Africa’s favourite women entrepreneurs, Sarah Collins started the Wonderbag brand during a bout of load shedding. Liebmann is a property entrepreneur and is behind the famous Maboneng Precinct, which is reviving the City of Johanneburg to its former glory. At the end of 2015, Gore featured at no. He made his first million by the age of 26 from selling lace and soft drinks. Richemont is a Swiss luxury product company that is family-owned. Comments section policy: Any attacks on BusinessTech, its journalists, or other readers will result in a ban. Zuko Tisani is the founder of Legazy Technology Conferencing, a full-service business that supports tech start-ups in South Africa. Read: These are the richest billionaires in South Africa in 2017. In contemporary times, female-owned businesses have … Digital All Stars is a series of articles which aims to celebrate the best of South African digital. Patrick Soon-Shiong. We take a look at some of the country’s young entrepreneurs who have seized opportunities and have taken over leadership in SA’s growing business landscape. Khanyi Dhlomo Industry: Media. To Sum It Up These successful African entrepreneurs found one way or the other to break the opportunity ice to eventually start and grow successful businesses. As co-founder and CEO of Rikatec, Rivoningo Mhlari has created technology that uses predictive analytics to... Darlene Menzies. I … The 26-year-old is the CEO of his own successful film production company, having risked it all by quitting university to start Media265. 10 Entrepreneurs under 30 taking South Africa by storm Proudly South African, homegrown inspiration. ... Alex is CEO of his own successful company, WeFix or (iFix). During that time, she discovered that most car hire companies in the North African country usually suffered from a poor online presence and an absence of online booking and payment options. Malatjie is the founder of the Diepsloot Youth Projects. It was recorded that the company generated $15Million in 2015. Zandra Cunningham. His company went on to change the health insurance space in SA forever with innovative products such as Vitality.