Top 10 Richest Women In South Africa (2024)

There are numerous women in South Africa, but some seem to be ahead in various ramifications. The richest women in south africa are well-known for their huge wealth, obtained via various means and methods. While some of them inherited their huge fortunes, some others rose from scratch to get what they now have.

The top wealthiest women in South Africa includes Wendy Appelbaum, Wendy Ackerman, Irene Charnley, Bridgette Radebe, Sharon Wapnick, Elizabeth Bradley, Judy Dlamini, Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube, Mamphela Ramphele and Christine Ramon.

Top 10 Richest Women In South Africa

1. Wendy Appelbaum (R2.6 billion)

Worth R2.6 billion, Wendy Appelbaum is the richest woman in South Africa. Born on October 17, 1962, in Cape Town, she is a well-respected businesswoman renowned for her significant contributions to the business world. She hails from a family with a legacy of entrepreneurship, being the daughter of the late South African tycoon Donald Gordon.

Wendy Appelbaum’s entrepreneurial journey took off when she co-founded the Liberty Group, a leading financial services company in the country. Her dedication and business acumen led to remarkable success, and she later sold her stake in the company. Wendy’s financial expertise extends beyond Liberty, as she has held various board positions in prominent South African companies, including being a director of De Beers Consolidated Mines.

Also, she is involved in philanthropy. Through her philanthropic efforts, she has tirelessly supported numerous causes, focusing on education, healthcare, and women’s rights.

2. Wendy Ackerman (R1.9 billion)

Wendy Ackerman is a prominent figure in the country, as she is a high-worth individual. Born in 1941, Wendy, along with her husband Raymond Ackerman, played a pivotal role in shaping the retail landscape of South Africa, via their Pick n Pay retail chain that was founded in 1967. This has since become one of the largest and most successful supermarket chains in the country.

Under their leadership, Pick n Pay grew to encompass hundreds of stores, offering a wide range of products to millions of South African consumers. Wendy’s dedication to customer service and quality helped the company thrive in a competitive market. In recognition of her stuff, Wendy Ackerman has received numerous accolades and awards, imprinting her legacy as a trailblazer in both business and philanthropy.

3. Irene Charnley (R1.5 billion)

Irene Charnley, with a net worth of R1.5 billion, is one of the wealthiest women in South Africa. She is a prominent businesswoman and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the telecommunications industry and social development in South Africa.

With a career spanning several decades, she has become a respected figure in both business and philanthropy. She is best known for her role in founding the mobile telecommunications company, MTN Group. She played a pivotal role in establishing MTN as a major player in the African telecommunications market. Under her leadership, the company expanded its operations across the continent, connecting millions of people and contributing to the growth of mobile communication in Africa.

4. Bridgette Radebe (R1 billion)

Bridgette Radebe is another rich woman in South Africa renowned for her contributions to the mining and business sectors. Born in 1960, she hails from a family of entrepreneurs.

She founded Mmakau Mining, a company focused on the exploration and mining of various mineral resources. Under her leadership, Mmakau Mining thrived, becoming a significant player in South Africa’s mining landscape. Furthermore, Radebe’s international reach expanded as she became involved in various global initiatives and organizations. Her expertise in mining and her dedication to sustainable practices earned her recognition on the international stage.

5. Sharon Wapnick (R433 million)

Sharon Wapnick is worth around R433 million. Hence, she is one of the richest women in South Africa. She has made significant strides in the business world, demonstrating her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. Her business ventures have not only generated economic growth but have also created job opportunities for many South Africans.

One of her most prominent roles has been her active involvement in philanthropy. She has been instrumental in supporting numerous charitable organizations and initiatives across the country.

Her generosity and dedication to causes such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation have made a significant impact on the lives of many South Africans. Her charitable work extends beyond financial contributions; she often actively participates in initiatives, working hands-on to improve living conditions for the less fortunate.

6. Elizabeth Bradley (R332 million)

Born in 1962, Elizabeth has amassed her substantial net worth through successful investments in major companies, and is currently thought to be worth about R332 million. She occupies key roles, including the chairmanship at Wesco Investments South Africa and the vice-chairmanship at Toyota South Africa.

She has been a role model for various folks in the country, and her strategic steps could inspire young folks in South Africa, particularly women, to chase after their dreams and aim to be the very best in their field and make a lot of money doing it too. She has demonstrated her financial acumen as a shareholder in several enterprises, including Standard Bank, Rosebank Inn, AngloGold, and Hilton Hotel.

7. Judy Dlamini (R124 million)

Dr. Judy Dlamini is a prominent figure in the country, known for her multifaceted career as a medical doctor, businesswoman, author, and philanthropist. Born 1959, in rural South Africa, she has risen to prominence through her dedication and contributions to various fields.

She has worked as a general practitioner, serving her community and gaining valuable experience in healthcare. Her commitment to healthcare extended beyond the clinic, as she also ventured into the corporate world. Dr. Dlamini made her mark as the founder and executive chairperson of the Mbekani Group, a leading South African investment company. Her achievements in business earned her recognition as one of South Africa’s most influential women in business.

Also, she has written books that touch on topics such as leadership, empowerment, and women’s roles in society. Her literary works reflect her commitment to fostering positive change in her community and beyond. We should also include this that her dedication to social upliftment has made a significant impact on disadvantaged communities in South Africa.

In recognition of her contributions, Judy Dlamini has received numerous awards and accolades. She serves as an inspiration, particularly to aspiring women leaders in South Africa.

8. Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube (R94 million)

Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube is not only known for her wealth, but also for her impactful contributions to the fields of education and women’s empowerment. Born with a humble beginning, she emerged as a beacon of hope and change in the country, starting as a passionate educator. She recognized the power of education in transforming lives and committed herself to improving access to quality schooling for all South Africans, irrespective of their race or background. Her dedication led her to become a respected teacher and later an influential education administrator.

This strong woman became a member of the South African Parliament and played a crucial role in shaping policies related to education and social development. Her work aimed at ensuring that the new South Africa provided opportunities for all its citizens, particularly women and children. Today, she remains an inspirational figure, reminding folks of the importance of education and gender equality in building a brighter future for all in the country.

9. Mamphela Ramphele (R55 million)

Mamphela Ramphele is one of the wealthiest women in South Africa known for her significant contributions to academia, activism, and politics. Born in 1947 in the Eastern Cape, she earned a medical degree from the University of Natal and later a Ph.D. in Social Anthropology from the University of Cape Town. Her commitment to social justice and equality led her to become deeply involved in anti-apartheid activism.

She has held leadership positions at various universities, including the University of Cape Town. She also co-founded the Black Management Forum and later became the Managing Director of the World Bank. Her tenure at the World Bank allowed her to address global economic issues and poverty alleviation.

Some years ago, Ramphele made a significant foray into South African politics by establishing the political party Agang SA. Her goal was to bring about positive change and address issues like corruption, education, and unemployment.

10. Christine Ramon (R49.67 million)

Here is another prominent figure in South Africa’s business scene, known for her exceptional leadership and contributions to the corporate world. With a career spanning several decades, her journey to success began with her education. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and is a Chartered Accountant.

One of the highlights of Ramon’s career was her role as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at AngloGold Ashanti, a leading global gold mining company. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in managing the company’s finances and navigating the complexities of the mining industry. She also served as the CFO of MTN Group, a multinational telecommunications company. In this role, she was instrumental in overseeing financial strategies for one of Africa’s largest mobile network operators.

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Closing

Examined briefly above are the richest women in South Africa who are high-worth individuals and can boast of a large measure of wealth in the country.