Philanthropies

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South Africa

Philanthropy in South Africa

Johann Rupert

No.1: Johann Rupert

Johann’s numerous achievements have lead to a net worth of $5.7 billion, according to Forbes.

Every year he donates his salary to charity, such as the £3.6 million he gifted in 2013


Nicky Oppenheimer

No.2: Nicky Oppenheimer

Nicky’s profound achievements in the corporate world have enabled him to amass a net worth of $6.5 billion, according to Forbes.

In 2008, Nicky donated R75 million (about $10 million) to fund undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships and bursaries for South African students during the diamond anniversary in 2008. Through the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, he committed himself to the disbursement of $6 million annually to education causes.


Wendy Appelbaum

No.3: Wendy Appelbaum

Applebaum's net worth is estimated at $259.3 million by Forbes.

One of Wendy’s most publicized activities is a $23 million donation she made for the creation of the Gordon Institute of Business Science and the funding of the Donald Gordon Medical Center (DGMC).


Mark Shuttleworth

No.4: Mark Shuttleworth

His success has led to him garnering a net worth of $500 million, according to Forbes; this makes him one of the richest citizens of South Africa

The Shuttleworth foundation's most recently published annual report indicates that in 2013, it granted $4 million. Most funds were distributed to recipients (called “fellows”) in the United States, the Isle of Man, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The average funding amount per fellow was $362,053.

It is estimated that Mark has given away nearly half of his fortune to charitable causes. His generous contributions have ensured his legacy beyond business accomplishments.


Cyril Ramaphosa

No.5: Cyril Ramaphosa

Cyril’s numerous business accomplishments have led to him attaining a net worth of $450 million, according to Forbes. This makes him the 42nd richest person in Africa.

In 2004 he established the Shanduka Foundation to oversee his philanthropic pursuits, committing to spending R100 million ($12 million) on corporate social investments over ten years. The organization exceeded this goal over the period, with a total spend of R167 million.


Allan Gray

No.6: Allan Gray

llan’s extended history of success enabled him to accumulate a net worth of $1.55 billion, according to Forbes. This makes him the seventh richest person in South Africa.

In 2005 he founded the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation with a personal gift of $150 million. At the time, this was the largest single donation to charity recorded in South Africa.


Patrick Motsepe 1

No.7: Patrick Motsepe 1

According to Forbes, Motsepe is worth $1.1 billion, making him the fifth richest person in South Africa and the 22nd richest person on the continent. According to Forbes, he is specifically worth $1.1 billion, making him the fifth richest person in South Africa and the 22nd richest person on the continent. Beyond his stake in ARM, he owns a 51% stake in the Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s biggest soccer teams (serving as its President), and has a stake in Sanlam, one of its top financial firms. Patrick’s achievements have also led to many honors. In 2002 he was named South Africa’s “Business Leader of the Year” by Ernst & Young, and received “South Africa's Best Entrepreneur Award.” In 2004 he was ranked #39th on the “Top 100 Great South Africans” list.

The Motsepe Foundation founded the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Cup, a youth soccer tournament that has touched the lives of over 140,000 children of high school age. The school that wins the event receives R1,000,000 (about $100,000) in prize money, which is used to purchase necessary teaching aids and equipment.