1. Cyril Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa is the highest paid politician at the moment, with an annual salary of $265 020, which is about R4.2 million, according to Buzz South Africa.
2. Tokyo Sexwale Tokyo
Sexwale, also known as Mosima Gabriel, is a popular South African who is an anti-apartheid activist, a politician, and a successful entrepreneur in the mining industry. After 1998, Sexwale disappeared from politics to focus on his businesses. He has since built himself an empire worth billions and is said to be personally worth about $200 million – which is about R3.1 billion.
3. Herman Mashaba
Herman Mashaba is one of the most well-known politicians in the country who started his own political party. He is also one of the richest politicians and businessmen in Msansi and his success story is particularly inspiring. Herman Mashaba became a millionaire before the end of apartheid, making him one of only a few black businessmen who could achieve riches under an oppressive rule. He managed to build lucrative businesses and experienced success as a politician, all of which contributed to Mashaba’s $100 million (R1.6 billion) nett worth.
4. F.W de Klerk
F.W de Klerk is most popularly known as the last president of the previous regime, but, he was also one of the richest politicians in South Africa up until his death recently. De Klerk was born into a wealth Afrikaner family and he ventured into law before trying his hand in politics. With the help of his family’s influence, De Klerk climbed the ranks in the minority ruling party and eventually was elected president of South Africa. However, he played a key role in the end of apartheid and was actively part in the negotiations that led to the first democratic elections. He made a lot of his money through various businesses, including farming. As of 2021, De Klerk was said to be worth $46m or R735 million.
5. Saki Macozoma
Saki Macozoma mining career made him leave the Eastern Cape Province, which is his birthplace, and head to Northern Cape, which is home to 80% of the world’s reserves of Manganese. Saki hit the ground with Tshipi Borwa mine to explore manganese mining. He has investments worth $71 million, which is about R1.1 billion. However, the figures can be more significant because he holds stakes in private mining companies like Tshipi mine, among others. He started his political career in the 70s and he headed some large companies, including Vodacom and South African Airways (SAA).
