With an incredible networth of £11.3 billion ($14.3 billion) and a Cape Town mansion estimated at £1.5 million, South African billionaire Johann Rupert is now Africa’s richest person, according to the latest data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The super wealthy Mr Rupert controls Richemont, one of the world’s largest luxury goods firms, which owns brands like Cartier and Montblanc.
Founded by his father Anton Rupert Richemont. it is the third largest luxury goods company on the planet behind only LVMH and Estée Lauder, according to Deloitte’s 2019 report on Global Powers of Luxury Goods.
He inherited the family business from his father, Anton Rupert and was appointed chairman and CEO of Richemont in 2000.
As of August 29 2024, Rupert’s estimated net worth increased by £1.5 billion to £11.3 billion making him the richest on the continent and the 147th richest globally.
His rise in fortune is thanks to strong performances in the luxury goods sector.
The billionaire lives in Cape Town, where he owns a lavish mansion, but he also has properties in Geneva and London.
It is easy to say that one of Rupert’s passions is his collection of cars so much so that the billionaire even has a museum showcasing his 200 cars to the public.
The Franschhoek Motor Museum showcases over a 100 years of automotive history from vintage vehicles and even some racing cars.
It is home to over 80 exhibits wowing car enthusiasts with its unique and exciting collection of vehicles.
In 2001 Mr Rupert’s brother Anthonji died in a car accident, following the tragedy he assumed control of L’ormarins Wine Estate in stunning Franschhoek.
After taking over the farm in 2003 Rupert constructed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, catapulting the farm into a prestigious wine estate and sprawling enterprise.
The Estate houses two tasting rooms, four state-of-the-art cellars, a beautiful rose garden and wonderful vineyards.
The former cricketer founded the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in 1990 and aims to use sport as a way to tackle social issues.
He serves as Chairman of the South African PGA Tour and Chairman of the South African Golf Development Board.
