Top 10 Richest Politicians in South Africa (2023)

South Africa is a diverse and prosperous environment where wealth plays a big part in political influence. For that reason the richest politicians in South Africa are a very important list indeed; it provides a hint as to the balance of power and influence in the country. Until the country develops into a more issues-centered polity, rather than one that centers its politics around people, this will be one of the most important lists in South Africa.

This list brings into consideration the known assets which have been estimated as part of public knowledge. This is basically a measure of wealth, not an assessment of the individual’s political relevance. Therefore you will find in this list rich South African politicians whose days of active politics may be behind them. You will also find politicians from every corner of the rainbow nation- a fact that supports equitable distribution of wealth in the country.    

Richest Politicians in South Africa

1. Cyril Ramaphosa

Net Worth: $ $450 million

Date of Birth: 17 November 1952

Cyril Ramaphosa has risen to the pinnacle of political success in South Africa. His journey to wealth and influence started as Trade Union Leader in the mining sector. He has also established himself as a successful businessman. He was also an activist before becoming a politician. He became South African deputy president under then-President Jacob Zuma, and that eventually landed him the Presidency. 

Cyril Ramaphosa has an estimated net worth of $700 million, he is heavily invested in mining, land, real estate, and other businesses.

2. Tokyo Sexwale

 Net Worth: $200 million

 Date of Birth: 5 March 1953

Tokyo Sexwale who is a South African businessman and politician also finds a spot on this list of wealthiest politicians in South Africa. He is one of those who paid the price for the freedom we enjoy today; he too was an anti-apartheid activist, who fought along with charismatic leader Nelson Mandela. Tokyo Sexwale also endured a long prison sentence. He rose in politics and became the Premier of Gauteng.

Tokyo Sexwale is heavily invested in the South African economy; he is one of the biggest players in the diamond industry. Nevertheless, he has diversified his wealth quite well; Tokyo Sexwale has investments in Absa Limited, Allied Electronics, and Gold Fields, Trans Hex, and Northam Platinum Limited.  

3. Phuthuma Nhleko

Net Worth: $120 million

Date of Birth: 7 April 1960

Phuthuma Nhleko is a South African politician and businessman. He is well known within the business circles as the former CEO of the MTN Group which is the biggest GSM communications network on the continent, with a presence in several African countries.

He is also the chairman of the African worldwide investment holding company, which is a holding company that has several companies in communications and information technology in several countries around the world.

4. Sipho Nkosi

Net Worth: $117 million

Date of Birth: 61 years

Sipho Nkosi is a South African businessman and political influencer. His business career has seen him take leadership positions in Ford Motor Company, with whom he worked as a market analyst, and also with Anglo American coal with who he was a marketing coordinator. He was appointed as the director of the business leadership of South Africa in 2014- a political appointment. 

Sipho Nkosi is heavily invested in mining. He has stakes at Exxaro Resources and Sanlam. He is one of the wealthiest, most influential people in the political spheres in South Africa.

5. Vincent Mntambo

Net Worth: $75 million

Date of Birth: 1959

Vincent Mntambo is a South African educator, businessman, and one of the richest politicians in South Africa. He was at one time a senior lecturer at the Natal University. His knowledge and passion have earned him a long professional career in which he has been sought after and offered executive positions in several conglomerates such as the ASG business solution, IMSSA, and Eyesizwe coal.  Vincent Mntambo is also the founder of the Sediba Accord and Sediba Consulting. 

6. Mike Teke

Net Worth: $64 million

Date of Birth: 1964

Mike Teke is a South African politician business magnate. He has had a long and prosperous career in mining and prospecting. His height of achievement has been his appointment as president of the SA Chamber of the Mines. 

He is the founder of the mining company “Dedicoal” and also holds the position of non-executive director of Rolfes Tech Holdings. Mike Teke is also the chairman of Optimum Coal which he co-founded. He is one of the biggest stakeholders in the South African coal industry.

7. Saki Macozoma

Net Worth: $53 million

Date of Birth: 12 May 1957

Saki Macozoma earns himself a spot on this list as well. He has had a long and lucrative career both in Politics and Business. Saki Macozoma became a member of parliament in 1994 but he found the world of business more attractive. Saki Macozoma then became MD of Transnet Ltd which is the largest network and controls the railway network in South Africa as a publicly-traded government company.

Saki Macozoma is the head of the private investment firm Liberty Holdings, and he is invested in Standard Bank. 

8. Frederik Willem de Klerk

Net Worth: $46 million

Date of Birth: 18 March 1936

Frederik Willem de Klerk is a South African politician and statesman. He was president of the country from 1989 to 1994- the last during the apartheid era. Frederik de Klerk played a major role in ending apartheid and turning the country into a free democracy. One of his actions for which he will forever be remembered is giving equal voting rights to all the citizens of South Africa, regardless of race.

He is invested in lands, agriculture, and real estate. Frederik de Klerk received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his contribution to the end of apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was also honoured in the same way.

9. Jacob Zuma

Net Worth: $20 million

Date of Birth: 12 April 1942

Jacob Zuma is a South African politician who rose to become president of the country. Before then he was an activist who played a big part in the development of the trade unions including the youth league and women movements. He became popular and became president.

Sadly, however, at the height of his political career, it was discovered that he had actively participated in monumental corruption. He was charged and convicted, although the judge decided to suspend the sentence. 

10. Thabo Mbeki

Net Worth: $10 million

Date of Birth: 18 June 1942

Thabo Mbeki is one of the most respected political voices in South Africa. He was South African president from 1999 to 2008- only the second president after Apartheid. He focused his tenure on growing the economy and ensuring the implementation of good working conditions for South Africans of all levels of income. 

Thabo Mbeki continues to deliver keynote addresses and youth development speeches across the continent; he is a philanthropist and a person whose name is associated with several good causes across the country.

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Conclusion

Politicians are some of the most deceptive people in the world; nobody knows how to stash away money like them. It is quite worrying to see a person convicted of looting his country on this list of the richest politicians in South Africa, however, it is hoped that South African politics will soon evolve to the point where politicians will be held accountable for their actions by the people themselves. Please keep in mind that this article has not been written for the sake of glorifying wealth no matter the source. The information should not be relied upon; we do not have access to their private financial data.