The Top 10 Richest Women In South Africa

On a busy morning in Cape Town, a young woman sat in a small café, flipping through a business magazine. Page after page showed powerful men—CEOs, billionaires, industry leaders. She paused, frowned, and asked herself, “Where are the women?”

Fast forward a few years, and that same question is being answered—loudly. Across South Africa, women are no longer just part of the economy; they are shaping it, dominating industries, and building wealth that rivals—and sometimes surpasses—their male counterparts.

From retail and mining to finance and telecommunications, these women have proven one thing: success has no gender.

Let’s dive into the top 10 richest women in South Africa and the inspiring stories behind their wealth.

1. Wendy Appelbaum

Estimated Net Worth: R2.6–R3.6 billion

Wendy Appelbaum is widely regarded as the richest woman in South Africa. She built her fortune through investments and ownership of the De Morgenzon wine estate.

Beyond business, she is deeply involved in philanthropy, especially in education and women empowerment. Her story shows that wealth and impact can go hand in hand.

2. Wendy Ackerman

Estimated Net Worth: R1.9 billion

Wendy Ackerman is a key figure behind the success of Pick n Pay, one of South Africa’s biggest retail chains.

Her journey proves that consistency in business—even in everyday sectors like retail—can lead to massive wealth over time.

3. Irene Charnley

Estimated Net Worth: R1.5–R1.6 billion

From trade union work to telecom leadership, Irene Charnley’s rise is nothing short of remarkable. She played a major role in MTN’s expansion and later founded Smile Telecoms.

Her story is a powerful example of how leadership and vision can transform industries.

4. Bridgette Radebe

Estimated Net Worth: R1 billion+

Bridgette Radebe is one of South Africa’s most prominent mining entrepreneurs and the first Black female mine owner in the country.

She built her wealth in a male-dominated industry, proving that barriers are meant to be broken.

5. Magda Wierzycka

Estimated Net Worth: $800M+

Magda Wierzycka is the co-founder and CEO of Sygnia, a financial services company. She is often listed among the richest women in South Africa.

Known for her bold opinions and transparency, she represents a new generation of outspoken business leaders.

6. Sharon Wapnick

Estimated Net Worth: R500–700 million

Sharon Wapnick built her fortune in real estate and property investment.

Her success highlights the power of long-term investments in property and infrastructure.

7. Elisabeth Bradley

Estimated Net Worth: R300+ million

Elisabeth Bradley is a major shareholder in Investec, one of South Africa’s leading financial institutions.

Her wealth is rooted in finance, showing how strategic investments can create lasting wealth.

8. Judy Dlamini

Estimated Net Worth: R100+ million

Dr. Judy Dlamini is a medical doctor turned entrepreneur, with investments across healthcare and business.

She represents the blend of professional excellence and entrepreneurial success.

9. Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube

Estimated Net Worth: R90+ million

Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube made her mark in corporate leadership and governance.

Her journey reflects the importance of leadership roles in building wealth and influence.

10. Mamphela Ramphele

Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed (High-profile wealth)

Mamphela Ramphele is a respected academic, activist, and businesswoman with a long-standing influence in South Africa’s economic and political landscape.

Her legacy goes beyond money—she represents intellectual and social capital.

Final Thoughts

If you look closely, these women didn’t all follow the same path. Some inherited opportunities, while others created their own from scratch. Some built businesses, while others made strategic investments.

But they all share one powerful trait: they refused to stay invisible.

The narrative is changing. The young girl flipping through that magazine today will see women who look like her—leading companies, controlling industries, and shaping the future.

And maybe, just maybe, she won’t ask “Where are the women?”

She’ll ask, “How do I become one of them?”