Billionaire Christo Wiese’s message to people who want to leave South Africa

Billionaire Christo Wiese said that he encourages his children and grandchildren to make their lives in South Africa, as it is a privilege to live in the country.

He shared this information during a discussion at the 2026 Biznews Conference at the Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg.

He said that when he engages with people around the world, he becomes aware that most countries grapple with serious problems.

“Whenever people ask me what I think of South Africa now, my answer is: ‘Compared to what?’ Let’s start there,” he said.

“You suddenly become aware of just how many problems there are in the rest of the world and how people are interacting with them.”

This, he said, strengthened his belief and optimism for South Africa, as the country’s problems are relatively simple to solve.

“The only real wisdom that comes with age is understanding that solving problems doesn’t require a great deal of wisdom. Things are reasonably simple,” he said.

He said that social issues, such as unemployment and lack of capital, can be addressed by implementing simple fixes.

One example is land. He said that millions of South African households own their homes but not the land they are built on.

“Between 7 and 11 million South African households own their homes but not the land they sit on. The government could easily fix this by issuing title deeds,” he said.

He added that South Africa offers tremendous opportunities to skilled people who decide to remain in the country.

“I work with young people, including my sons and various young colleagues and partners in my office,” he said.

“I see so many opportunities in South Africa that I am always amazed more people do not see them. Perhaps this is due to the prevailing air of pessimism.”

He said that, for this reason, he encourages his children and grandchildren to “make their lives here in South Africa”.

Former Shoprite CEO Whitey Basson shares this view

Wiese’s view aligns with that of former Shoprite CEO Whitey Basson, with whom he has worked for many decades.

Basson said that while he is extremely concerned about South Africa, it remains a great country in which to live.

He said he was concerned about the country and that it was not doing well, especially regarding the state of the economy.

“South Africa is not doing well. Look at youth unemployment and at the policies that are stifling growth,” he said.

He argued that the country has been mismanaged by both the ANC and the previous government. “They made as many mistakes and had as many bad ministers,” he said.

With the current government, he pointed to black economic empowerment and expropriation without compensation as destructive policies.

He said that, despite good intentions, these policies don’t work and should be replaced by ones which will work.

Despite these problems, Basson said he is staying. “I think South Africa is a great country, and I wouldn’t leave here,” he said.

“I think there are great opportunities in South Africa because you’re competing against very mild competition.”

He added that he was optimistic about the country as it has the building blocks for growth and a more prosperous future.

“I am optimistic, because there is a lot of clay to work with. All you need now is a fine artist who can mould that clay into one of the best statues in the world,” he said.

“We have capable people, but they aren’t being exposed or given the opportunity, and there are too many committee structures holding South Africa back.”