South Africa’s Three Richest Tech Billionaires in 2025

Many of South Africa’s wealthiest individuals built their fortunes by leveraging technology at the right time. From digital media and banking to vehicle telematics, these billionaires have reshaped industries while amassing immense wealth.

Based on their business ventures and impact, here are South Africa’s three richest tech billionaires as of February 2025.

1. Koos Bekker – The Media and Tech Mogul

Net worth: R55.3 billion

Koos Bekker, former Naspers CEO and current chairman, tops the list as South Africa’s richest tech billionaire. He pioneered pay-TV in the country by co-founding M-Net, which later became DStv under MultiChoice.

Bekker played a pivotal role in transforming Naspers from a traditional print media company into a global digital powerhouse. His $34-million investment in Tencent in 2001 remains one of the greatest venture investments in history.

During his tenure as Naspers CEO (1997–2014), he grew the company’s market capitalization from $1.2 billion to $45 billion—all while taking no salary, bonuses, or perks. Instead, he relied solely on stock options tied to company performance.

Bekker’s strategic foresight in digital media and online services solidified his status as South Africa’s leading tech billionaire.

2. Michiel le Roux – The Rule-Breaking Banker

Net worth: R33.18 billion

Michiel le Roux, founder of Capitec Bank, revolutionized South Africa’s banking sector by embracing technology and simplicity. His bank’s name itself is a blend of “capital” and “technology.”

Before digital banking became mainstream, Capitec introduced innovative portable PCs, allowing agents to serve customers remotely. It was also the first bank in South Africa to implement biometric fingerprint authentication.

Le Roux’s wealth comes primarily from his 11% stake in Capitec, which has grown into one of South Africa’s largest banks by offering low-cost, tech-driven financial services.

3. Zak Calisto – The Telematics Titan

Net worth: R17.22 billion

Zak Calisto, founder of Cartrack and Karooooo, built his empire through vehicle tracking and telematics innovation.

After dropping out of university, Calisto started a telematics business with just R100. He later launched Cartrack in 2001 as a joint venture with Netstar. The company quickly became a leader in vehicle tracking and fleet management, expanding globally.

His success is attributed to continuous innovation in telematics, allowing Cartrack to surpass older competitors in customer growth and technological advancements.

Calisto’s net worth has soared, with his 65% stake in Karooooo cementing his place among South Africa’s top tech billionaires.

Final Thoughts

While Elon Musk remains the world’s most famous South African-born tech billionaire, these three individuals built their wealth in South Africa. Their innovations continue to shape industries and drive economic growth.

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