South African billionaires rich list

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 23: Nicholas “Nicky” Oppenheimer during an interview on March 23, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa – Photo: Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Moeletsi Mabe

Nine South African billionaires named on the UK’s “rich list” for 2019

The richest of the rich in this country are also pretty big fish in the UK. Here are the South African billionaires who made it onto the 2019 rich list.

South African billionaires rich list

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 23: Nicholas “Nicky” Oppenheimer during an interview on March 23, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa – Photo: Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Moeletsi Mabe

Who says we can’t kick it with the big boys? The Sunday Times has released their coveted UK rich list for 2019, ranking the top 1 000 businessmen and women with a vested interest in Britain. A total of nine South African billionaires made the cut, and they’re in with some highly-illustrious company.

The Hinduja brothers are officially the richest residents of Britain, with the pair both estimated to be worth around £22 billion. Their portfolio of investments and banking businesses has earned them a fortune.

Meanwhile, the top 10 features Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and former Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov. The Premier League clubs are both heading to the Europa League final later this month, where a win would secure Champions League qualification for one of the London-based clubs.

Sunday Times UK rich list for 2019:

The richest people in Britain. No South African billionaires feature in the top 20 – Photo: Sunday Times

South African billionaires on the Sunday Times’ UK rich list:

Meanwhile, Nicky Oppenheimer is South Africa’s richest representative in the UK. He’s worth more than R100 billion rand, and often features in lists such as these, becoming a “Forbes favourite” in the process. Nine of our big-hitters have got the nod from the publication – here’s where they feature in the rankings:

25: Nicky Oppenheimer

  • Net worth: £5.6 billion / R105 billion.
  • Business: Diamonds and mining: He’s the chairman of the De Beers diamond mining company and its subsidiary, the Diamond Trading Company. 
  • UK connection: Owns an estate near Maidenhead, often resides there.


31: Natie Kirsch

  • Net worth: £4.36 billion / R81.08 billion.
  • Business: Owns a chain of Jetro restaurants and cash and carry stores.
  • UK connection: Has several business operations registered in the country. He was born in Potchefstroom and now resides in Swaziland.


155: Manfred Gorvy

  • Net worth: £953 million / R17.72 billion.
  • Business: Property and food investments: He is the founder and chairman of Hanover Acceptances.
  • UK connection: Permanent British resident. Went to Parktown Boys High School and Wits, started his first UK business in 1974.


162: Douw Steyn

  • Net worth: £900 million / R16.74 billion
  • Business: Investment portfolio and insurance – moved to the UK in the 1990s.
  • UK connection: Majority shareholder of British company comparethemarket.com.


230: Sir Donald Gordon

  • Net worth: £600 million / R11.16 billion
  • Business: Property: He was behind the development of Sandton City, one of the most successful shopping centres in the world.
  • UK connection: Business operates within the UK. In June 2005, he was awarded a knighthood in recognition of his services to arts and business.


268: Mark Shuttleworth

  • Net worth: £500 million / R9.3 billion
  • Business: Internet and web development. Netflix, Tesla and Deutsche Telekom are among 800 clients of his London-based operation, Canonical.
  • UK connection: Dual UK / SA citizenship. He’s a UCT graduate from Welkom, Free State too.


268: Tony Tabatznik

  • Net worth: £500 million / R9.3 billion.
  • Business: Pharmaceutical products.
  • UK connection: Operated a British company until a $1.75 billion buyout from the US, lives in Stevenage.


339: Vivian Imerman

  • Net worth: £390 million / R7.52 billion
  • Business: Spirits and food. When you’re the brains behind the “Man from Del Monte” campaign, you’re bound to make a killing.
  • UK connection: The former Johannesburg resident Maintains control of a London-based investment firm, where he lives and works in the country.


851: Richard Gnodde

  • Net worth: £140 million / R2.6 billion
  • Business: Financial investment – he’s one of the best-paid bankers in the country. Not bad for a UCT alma matter.
  • UK connection: The last of our South African billionaires is a Resident of Britain. He’s also a trustee of Kew Gardens.