South Africa has a new addition to the global billionaire ranks. Jannie Mouton, founder of PSG Group, is back on Forbes’ real-time billionaires list.
Mouton has an estimated net worth of R29.2 billion ($1.6 billion).
This brings South Africa’s tally of dollar-billionaires to seven, including familiar names like Johann Rupert, Nicky Oppenheimer, and Patrice Motsepe.
Jannie Mouton: A comeback story
Mouton first made the Forbes Billionaires List in 2017 but had since fallen off the radar. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s reemerged, ranking 2,024th globally.
After graduating from Stellenbosch University and qualifying as a chartered accountant, Mouton co-founded Senekal, Mouton & Kitshoff, a stockbroking firm.
That chapter ended abruptly in 1995 when he was fired from his own company.
Later that year, he launched PSG Group with Chris Otto, purchasing a majority stake in recruitment firm PAG for R3.5 million.
Two years later, they sold it for R107 million, setting the foundation for what would become one of South Africa’s most influential investment companies.
South Africa’s Billionaire Club
With Mouton back on the list, South Africa’s billionaire circle remains small but notable:
- Johann Rupert, the richest South African: ranked 169th with a net worth of R252 billion.
- Former diamond magnate Nicky Oppenheimer is 253rd, worth R189 billion.
- Naspers chair Koos Bekker sits at 1,067th place with R62 billion.
- Patrice Motsepe, businessman and football administrator, ranks 1,170th with R56.6 billion.
- Michiel le Roux, Capitec’s founder, holds the 1,501st spot with R42 billion.
- Christo Wiese, the retail tycoon, ranks 2,098th, valued at R29.2 billion.
More billionaires to come?
With South Africa’s thriving business environment and ongoing investment opportunities, it won’t be surprising to see more locals join the billionaires list.
While Rupert continues to lead, he’s also the only South African in the top 200 globally.
For now, Mouton’s return marks a notable milestone in the country’s financial landscape.
