- South African luxury magnate Johann Rupert has claimed the title of Africa’s wealthiest individual, with a net worth of $12 billion, as per Forbes rankings.
- Rupert comes from a lineage of businessmen and has held prominent roles in companies such as Compagnie Financiere Richemont.
- Alongside his business endeavours, Rupert actively engages in philanthropy, sports, and golf, having founded initiatives like the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
South African luxury magnate Johann Rupert has claimed the title of the richest African on the continent according to real-time billionaire rankings by Forbes.
With an impressive net worth of $12 billion, Johann Rupert has garnered attention as Africa’s wealthiest individual. His ascent to the ranks of billionaires and his ability to navigate the challenges and struggles of the business world have become a subject of interest.
Rupert’s Background
Born on June 1, 1950, Johann Rupert, now 73 years old, comes from a lineage of businessmen. He is the eldest son of Anton Rupert, a renowned business tycoon, and his wife Hurberte. Anton Rupert founded Rembrandt Group, a tobacco company, in 1948, which would later become a significant source of wealth for the family.
Although Johann Rupert initially studied economics and company law at the University of Stellenbosch, he eventually abandoned his academic pursuits to embark on a business career. In an interesting turn of events in 2004, the university honoured him with an honorary degree in Economics.
By 2008, he had also received an honorary doctorate from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Fast forward to April 2010, Rupert assumed the role of CEO at Compagnie Financiere Richemont. Before that, he had worked for Chase Manhattan and Lazard Freres in New York.
However, in 1979, he returned to South Africa to establish Rand Merchant Bank (RMB).
Rupert held the position of CEO at RMB until 1984 when the company merged to form RMB Holdings. At that point, he left to join his father’s company, Rembrandt Group.
Shortly thereafter, in 1988, he founded Compagnie Financiere Richemont and was appointed Non-Executive Director of Rothmans International plc in the same year.
1988 proved to be a remarkable year for Rupert, as he was also honoured as the “Businessman of the Year” by the Sunday Times. The following year, in 1989, he became Vice Chairman of his father’s company.
His exceptional managerial and business acumen led to his appointment as Chairman of Rembrandt Group Limited in 1991.
In 1992, Rupert was recognized as one of the “Global Leaders of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His recognition and accolades continued to grow.
Five years later, in 1997, he was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Gold Fields South Africa Ltd.
Rupert restructures Rembrandt group
In the year 2000, Johann Rupert undertook a significant step by restructuring his father’s business, Rembrandt Group Limited, and forming Remgro Limited and VenFin Limited. It was his exceptional abilities in business growth and management that led the university to confer upon him an honorary degree in Economics.
Despite having initially dropped out, his success in the business world attested to his brilliance and discipline.
Other Interests and Rupert’s Philanthropic Work
Today, Johann Rupert is not only a businessman but also a golf enthusiast. He founded the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in 1990, aiming to address social issues through sports.
The foundation has supported approximately 675 projects globally. In addition to his passion for sports, Rupert was a former cricketer. To give back to the world, he co-founded the Sports Science Institute with his friends Morne du Plessis and Tim Noakes.
Driven by his love for the game and his concern for underprivileged individuals, Rupert developed Leopard Creek Golf Club in Mpumalanga, which has now become one of South Africa’s top three golf courses. He has also participated in the annual Gary Player Invitational golf tournament, alongside fellow South African and friend Gary Player, to raise funds for various children’s charities.
In addition to his involvement in the world of golf, Johann Rupert holds positions of influence in various organizations. He currently serves as Chairman of the South African PGA Tour and Golf Development Board.
Moreover, he has been a council member in esteemed institutions such as the South Africa Foundation, the Southern African Nature Foundation, the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa, Business South Africa, and the Die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns.
Furthermore, he serves as a Managing Trustee and member of the investment committee for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
Forbes reports that Rupert also has interests beyond business and philanthropy. He is a part-owner of the Saracens English rugby team and Anthonij Rupert Wines, named after his late brother, Anthonij who died in a car accident in 2001.
The whole world knows that Aliko Dangote has been the richest African for many years. I suggest that this article be edit to inform the reader about what happened to Dangote’s wealth and how a new Africa’s richest man came about.
Well I heard the new FG policy made Dangote loose lots of money, running into billions. I guess that’s why.
How can you call a Capitalist with unrelenting penchant for connivance with political crooks to garner the common wealth of the poor masses into his business conglomerate as the wealthiest man in Africa?
This should be real real billionaire devoid of Govt favour and upliftment. Unlike Dangote who Northern political domination help give undue advantage to at expense of his competitors….
Not with standing, we don’t usually regard white as real African, so Dangote remains Richest Black African in Africa
Great read.
A well written tribute to a great business man who was/ is lil known yet scaled heights only few can’ fathom . He seems to have lived His life ten times over. He is very accomplished. He even set up a whole industry in his late brothers memory. That’s a fine gentleman that I would like to meet in the coming days. I Hope he accepts my offer for a l Long lunch meeting to just seat And learn.
Well what happened to dangote as the richest man in Africa. Waiting to read the story.
I have no regards for People who oppressed and exploited Africa and continue to exploit it’s wealth and resources.
Apartheid system privileges etc.
Not interested in their wealth of colonizers and privileged people .
Show me the likes of Steve Jobs, Bezos and Cuban..They are people I respect and want to learn from.
Its my opinion.My bicycle will not get stolen😅
Does he enjoy government favour for monopolistic advantage over other deserving individuals?
If no, then he’s the real deal.
Our self acclaimed billionaire is a government boy, who enjoy monopolistic power, fronting for them, help launder the nation’s treasury and help evade arrests with private jets.