Top 10 Richest Politicians In South Africa 2025

Politics in South Africa is not just a way to run the country and make decisions, but it is also a place where power and money regularly mix. Many well-known politicians have used their jobs, connections, and business sense to make a lot of money. Here is a detailed look at the top 10 richest politicians in South Africa in 2025, including their histories, how they made their money, and what they did for society.

List Of Top 10 Richest Politicians In South Africa 2025

1. Cyril Ramaphosa

On the list of the wealthiest politicians in South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, who has been the country’s President since 2018, comes in first place. The journey that Ramaphosa has taken from being an anti-apartheid activist to being a business billionaire and political leader is astounding. Ramaphosa was born in Soweto on November 17, 1952. He was the principal negotiator for the African National Congress (ANC), which was instrumental in the end of apartheid. Subsequently, he chaired the Constitutional Assembly, which was responsible for drafting South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution.

2. Tokyo Sexwale

Mosima Gabriel “Tokyo” Sexwale is a well-known businessman and the second-richest politician in South Africa. He used to be an anti-apartheid activist and political prisoner. Sexwale was born in Soweto and spent 13 years in prison on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela. He was the Premier of Gauteng from 1994 to 1998 and the Minister of Human Settlements from 2009 to 2013 after being released in 1990. Sexwale’s wealth comes mostly from the Mvelaphanda Group, which he started in 1998 and focuses on mining, energy, and financial services. His company is the third-largest diamond mining corporation in South Africa, after De Beers and JFPI Corporation. Sexwale owns shares in companies like Absa Group, Gold Fields, and Northam Platinum. He has residences in Johannesburg, Franschhoek, Clifton in Cape Town, and a private vacation home in Mozambique.

3. Matamela Gwede Mantashe

Third is Gwede Mantashe, an important ANC member and the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy. Mantashe was born in 1955. He started his political career as a trade unionist, most famously as the secretary general of the National Union of Mineworkers. He has been the ANC’s Secretary General and has held a number of ministerial posts.
Mantashe has a lot of money since he has been in politics for a long time, made smart investments, and worked on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) projects. He has commended companies like Eyesizwe for doing well in B-BBEE, which suggests that his personal investments are similar to these models. His net worth is mostly made up of the money he makes from public service and private business.

4. Julius Malema

Julius Malema, the fiery leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is a polarizing yet influential figure. Born in 1981, Malema rose from the ANC Youth League to found the EFF in 2013, advocating for radical economic reforms and land redistribution. His wealth has sparked both admiration and scrutiny. Malema’s net worth is reportedly derived from business ventures, political influence, and investments. While his official salary as an MP and EFF leader is modest, his lifestylemarked by luxury vehicles, designer clothing, and high-end properties—suggests additional income sources. Critics question the origins of his wealth, but no formal charges have been substantiated. His political connections and public speaking engagements also contribute to his earnings.

5. Pravin Gordhan

Pravin Gordhan, born in 1949, is a respected anti-apartheid activist and economic strategist. He served as Minister of Finance (2009–2014, 2015–2017), Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Minister of Public Enterprises (2018–2024). Gordhan’s wealth comes from his political career, consultancy roles, and strategic investments. His tenure as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (1999–2009) and ministerial roles provided substantial earnings. His involvement in anti-apartheid activism and affiliations with the ANC and South African Communist Party have also opened doors to private-sector opportunities.

6. Baleka Mbete

Baleka Mbete is a long-time ANC politician who has held important positions as Speaker of the National Assembly (2004–2008, 2014–2019) and Deputy President of South Africa (2008–2009). She was born in 1949 and has been an important leader in the ANC. Mbete got rich from her long career in politics and her investments in mining and other businesses. Her high-ranking positions in the ANC and government have made it easier for her to find good business possibilities. Her business operations, which aren’t as well known, add a lot to her net worth.

7. Jacob Zuma

Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s former President (2009–2018), remains a controversial figure. Born in 1942, Zuma’s presidency was marred by allegations of corruption and state capture, leading to his resignation in 2018. Despite legal troubles, Zuma has amassed wealth through political connections, property investments, and business ventures. His influence in government contracts and access to networks have been cited as key sources of his fortune. His Nkandla homestead, which sparked controversy over state-funded upgrades, is a notable asset.

8. Zweli Mkhize

Zweli Mkhize was a medical practitioner and ANC politician. He was the Minister of Health from 2019 to 2021 and held other provincial positions. He was born in 1956 and has used his medical knowledge to gain political power. Mkhize has made money from his medical practice, private ventures in healthcare, and his work as a politician. As a provincial leader and cabinet minister, he has been able to connect with people who can help him find economic prospects.

9. Fikile Mbalula

Fikile Mbalula is the Minister of Transport and Secretary-General of the ANC. He is well-known and has been in politics for a long time. He was born in 1971 and has worked his way up through the ANC while being quite active in public life. Mbalula’s wealth comes from his political work, public speaking, and small investments, especially in real estate. He doesn’t talk much about his money, but there have been doubts about how he got his properties, even though there are no legal accusations against him.

10. Naledi Pandor

Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, is a seasoned politician and academic. Born in 1953, she has served in various cabinet roles and is known for her intellectual approach to governance. Pandor’s wealth stems from her long political career, academic engagements, and modest investments. Her earnings from ministerial positions and international consultancy roles contribute to her net worth.