South Africa is home to a remarkable array of successful women who have shattered glass ceilings and redefined the landscape of wealth and entrepreneurship.
In a country where economic disparities often dominate the narrative, these women stand out not only for their impressive financial achievements but also for their roles as trailblazers and role models.
In this article, WoA looks at the richest women in South Africa, showcasing their diverse backgrounds, industries, and the source of their fortunes.
1. Wendy Appelbaum – R2.6 billion
Wendy Appelbaum, daughter of Liberty Group founder Donald Gordon, is a prominent South African businesswoman and philanthropist, known as the richest woman in South Africa with a net worth of approximately R2.6 billion.
She chairs De Morgenzon Wine Estate, which she purchased in 2003, and has been influential in empowering women through her investment company, Wiphold.
Appelbaum is also a significant philanthropist, donating millions to initiatives in health and education, including the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
2. Wendy Ackerman – R1.9 billion
Wendy Ackerman is a notable South African philanthropist and businesswoman, recognized for her contributions to entrepreneurship and community service.
She co-founded Pick n Pay, a leading supermarket chain in South Africa, with her husband, Raymond Ackerman.
The Ackerman Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, established in their honor, acknowledges young individuals who demonstrate innovation and service to others.
3. Irene Charnley – R1.6 billion
Irene Charnley, born on May 6, 1960, is a prominent South African businesswoman and former trade unionist.
She is the President of the International Women’s Forum South Africa and Chairman of Gibela Rail Transport Consortium.
Charnley founded Smile Telecoms in 2007, a telecommunications group operating across several African countries.
Previously, she played a key role at MTN Group, significantly expanding its network in Africa and the Middle East.
Charnley has been recognized for her contributions to business and empowerment initiatives, including the Ikageng Scheme, which benefitted thousands of South Africans.
4. Bridgette Radebe – R1 billion
Bridgette Radebe, born on February 26, 1960, is a pioneering South African businesswoman and the first black female mining entrepreneur in the country.
She founded Mmakau Mining, which focuses on platinum, gold, and chrome mining.
Radebe is also the President of the South African Mining Development Association and a member of the New Africa Mining Fund.
Recognized for her contributions to mining legislation and empowerment initiatives, she has received numerous accolades, including the International Businessperson of the Year Award in 2008.
5. Sharon Wapnick – R767 million
Sharon Wapnick is a prominent South African businesswoman and philanthropist, known for her leadership in the commercial property sector.
She serves as the Executive Director of the property development company, Octodec Investments, and has played a significant role in its growth and success.
Wapnick is also recognized for her commitment to social responsibility, particularly in education and community development initiatives.
6. Elizabeth Bradley – R332 million
Elizabeth Bradley is a prominent South African businesswoman and investor, currently serving as the Chairman of Wesco Investments South Africa and Vice-Chairman of Toyota South Africa.
Born in 1962, she is the daughter of Albert Wessels, who introduced Toyota to South Africa in 1961.
With a net worth estimated at R332 million, her investments span major companies like Standard Bank and AngloGold, showcasing her strategic acumen in business.
In 2008, she notably sold a 25% stake in Wesco for R2.1 billion, further solidifying her status as a leading financial figure in South Africa
7. Judy Dlamini – R124 million
Judy Dlamini, born on July 10, 1959, is a distinguished South African medical doctor, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist.
She is the Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand and the founding chairman of Mbekani Group.
Dlamini has held significant roles in various companies, including as former chairperson of Aspen Pharmacare.
She authored the bestseller Equal but Different, exploring race and gender in leadership.
Dlamini has received numerous accolades, including the African Economy Builder Lifetime Achiever Award and honorary doctorates from multiple universities.
8. Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube – R94 million
Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube is a prominent South African entrepreneur and the CEO of Mjoli Development Company (Pty) Ltd. and Eziko Investments, with a net worth of R94 million.
She has served as an economic adviser to Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and held leadership roles in various organizations, including the National Urban Reconstruction and Housing Agency.
Mjoli-Mncube is also the Executive President of Alpha Women’s Network, promoting economic opportunities for women.
She holds a BA from the University of Fort Hare and an MSc in urban and regional planning from the University of Cape Town.
9. Mamphela Ramphele – R55 million
Mamphela Ramphele, born on December 28, 1947, in Limpopo, South Africa, is a renowned activist, physician, academic, and businesswoman.
A founding member of the Black Consciousness Movement alongside Steve Biko, she faced detention and banning under apartheid laws for her activism.
Ramphele earned her medical degree from the University of Natal and later a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Cape Town, where she became the first black woman Vice-Chancellor.
She served as a Managing Director at the World Bank and founded the political party Agang SA in 2013.
Ramphele is also an accomplished author and has received numerous honorary degrees and awards for her contributions to society.
10. Christine Ramon – R49.67 million
Christine Ramon is a prominent South African businesswoman and chartered accountant, born in 1968 or 1969 in Port Elizabeth.
She served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of AngloGold Ashanti from 2014 until her early retirement in 2022, also acting as interim CEO from 2020 to 2021.
Prior to that, she was CFO at Sasol and CEO of Johnnic Holdings.
Ramon has held various board positions, including at Vodafone Group and MTN.
She is recognized for her significant contributions to corporate governance and financial reporting in South Africa.
