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Jannie Mouton: The Comeback Billionaire – How a Fired Stockbroker Built a Financial Empire

Johannes “Jannie” Mouton, the founder of PSG Group, has made a triumphant return to Forbes’ billionaire rankings with a net worth of $1.6 billion. After dropping off the list in 2017, the 78-year-old financial mogul is back—proving resilience pays off.
But who is Jannie Mouton, and how did he build his fortune?
From Humble Beginnings to Financial Powerhouse
Born in Carnarvon, Northern Cape (1946), Mouton studied at Stellenbosch University, qualified as a chartered accountant, and began his career at PwC. His big break came when he co-founded Senekal, Mouton & Kitshoff, a stockbroking firm.
Yet, in 1995, his career took a sharp turn—he was fired.
Instead of giving up, Mouton partnered with Chris Otto and launched PSG Group later that year. Today, PSG is a financial services giant, with investments in banking, education, and private equity.
Family, Wine, and Controversial Friendships
Mouton’s personal life has seen both triumph and tragedy:
- First wife Dana passed away in 2004; he remarried Deidré.
- His son Piet is PSG’s CEO, while Jan manages the PSG Flexible Fund.
- He once partnered with Markus Jooste (of Steinhoff scandal fame) on a Sauvignon Blanc wine venture.
Interestingly, Jooste helped PSG fend off a hostile ABSA takeover by arranging Steinhoff’s 20% investment—a move that secured Mouton’s empire.
South Africa’s Billionaire Rankings
Mouton joins an elite group of seven South African dollar billionaires:
Rank | Name | Net Worth | Source |
---|---|---|---|
168 | Johann Rupert | $13.6B | Luxury goods |
252 | Nicky Oppenheimer | $10.4B | Diamonds |
1,070 | Koos Bekker | $3.4B | Media |
1,172 | Patrice Motsepe | $3.1B | Mining |
1,519 | Michiel Le Roux | $2.3B | Banking |
2,043 | Jannie Mouton | $1.6B | Financial services |
2,074 | Christo Wiese | $1.6B | Retail |
Globally, Elon Musk (born in South Africa) remains the world’s richest person.
The Comeback Story
Mouton’s return to Forbes’ list is a testament to his business acumen and perseverance. From a fired stockbroker to a self-made billionaire, his journey proves that setbacks can lead to greater success.
What’s next for Mouton and PSG? With his sons leading key divisions, the empire seems poised for even more growth.
{Source The South African}
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