South Africa’s richest man worth over R270 billion

Johann Rupert, born in 1950 in Stellenbosch, has become one of South Africa’s most influential business figures, transforming a family empire into a global powerhouse.

Today, his net worth is estimated at around R270 to R315 billion, largely derived from his holdings in Richemont, Remgro, and Reinet Investments.

Over the decades, Rupert has not only shaped the luxury goods market but also played a pivotal role in building some of South Africa’s leading companies.

Rupert grew up in a household already immersed in business. His father, Dr Anton Rupert, had expanded a modest tobacco operation into the Rembrandt Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests across tobacco, industry, and finance.

Johann was educated locally at Paul Roos Gymnasium and went on to study commerce and company law at Stellenbosch University.

Frustrated by academic hurdles, he left before completing his degree and moved to New York to gain international business experience, working for Chase Manhattan and Lazard Freres.

Returning to South Africa, Rupert co-founded Rand Merchant Bank in 1979 at 29.

Initially reluctant to join the family business, he eventually stepped into Rembrandt in the 1980s, navigating complex international challenges and the political pressures of the time.

The rise of a luxury empire

Recognising the value of separating domestic and international operations, Rupert orchestrated the transfer of Rembrandt’s overseas assets to a new Swiss-based company, Compagnie Financière Richemont, in 1988.

Under his leadership, Richemont pursued a bold acquisition strategy, taking over prestigious brands such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vacheron Constantin, Montblanc, and Dunhill.

Today, Richemont stands as the world’s fourth-largest luxury goods company, with a market capitalization exceeding R17 trillion, driven primarily by jewellery and watches.

Beyond luxury, Rupert’s influence extends across South Africa’s corporate landscape.

Remgro, the investment holding company spun off from Rembrandt, holds significant stakes in banking, healthcare, food, and industrial enterprises.

Meanwhile, Reinet Investments manages non-luxury assets from the Richemont portfolio.

The Rupert family’s holdings also include notable properties and vineyards, such as L’Ormarins and Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons.

As of mid-2025, Remgro reported headline earnings of R7.83 billion and a market capitalization near R90 billion, while Reinet has performed strongly with a market cap of around R100 billion.

Rupert has been married to Rona Rupert, and together they have children, including Anton Rupert Jr, who is often mentioned as a potential heir to the family’s business interests.

The family is known for its involvement in philanthropy, environmental initiatives, and arts patronage, often through the Rupert Art Foundation and other charitable ventures.

Outside of business, Rupert is passionate about wine and farming, with the family owning several vineyards, including L’Ormarins and Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, which also serve as venues for private cultural and social events.