South Africa has some of the richest individuals on the African continent. Even though it has many hardworking young people, not too many are in the class of the very rich.
Needless to say, there is still a class for the youngest millionaires in South Africa, who have distinguished themselves in their professional lives, and may not be set to become the next generation of billionaires the country will produce.
Most of the young people on the list started it all from the scratch, although some have got support and backings from their families.
They have started their enviable businesses and built empires that have sustained for a while. Among the young millionaires are people who started making money as early as their teenage years and into their 20s.
Here are the top 10 youngest millionaires in South Africa:
1. Sandile Shezi
Year of birth: 1991
This self-made millionaire earned his millionaire status when he was only 23 years old. Sandile Shezi age today is 28 years. He took a gamble with his college tuition, much to the annoyance of his parents. Had he not made his chunk of money from Forex trading, he would have completely fallen out with his family.
From the risk he took, the Sandile Shezi net worth skyrocketed from the bare minimum to a whopping $2.3 million. He is one of the top South African Forex millionaires. While in school, Shezi sold muffins, a trade he was often ridiculed for by his peers.
2. Vusi Thembekwayo
Date of birth: 21st of March 1985
Vusi Thembekwayo is a business magnate and motivational speaker who became one of the South African millionaires under 30 when he was only 25 years old. At 25, he headed the R400mn department in a multinational company. He currently serves as a director in a listed company and directs his boutique investment.
He has been appointed to several boards where he serves with enthusiasm. He often addresses people from all continents, especially in leadership, strategy and sales. Presently, Vusi Thembekwayo net worth is approximately $550 million.
3. Ludwick Marishane
Date of birth: 23rd of May 1990
Now 29, Ludwick Marishane was listed in the African Forbes 30 under 30 list when he was only 25 years old. While he is not among the richest Forex traders in South Africa, he is one of the rick-young through his DryBath formulation. He was in high school when he came up with the idea of making a gel that cleans the body without needing water.
He wrote a business plan, and the product was developed in 6 months. He is the founder of Headboy Industries that makes the DryBath. From the sale of this product that is packed in small quantities for affordability, Marishane is one of the youngest millionaires in South Africa today.
4. Rupert Bryan
Date of birth: 19th of March 1991
Rupert Bryan currently works as a chief operating officer at ISP Web Africa. As a young boy, he developed a passion for web development. When he was only 14, he started managing his web development agency.
At 16, a friend joined him to pursue his dream. The duo established Web Africa with the little they had. Over time, the business thrived into a company whose annual net worth is approximately R130 million.
5. Doug Hoernle
Date of birth: 21st of June 1990
While he was in the University of Cape Town, Doug Hoernle started tutoring students taking matrix. He later on developed a tutorial business, Rethink Education. This is a creative digital education podium that allows high school students and other learners to learn new things using their mobile phones.
The data-lite mobile forum is easy to navigate and contains plenty of educational material. According to Hoernle, the platform has assisted over 500,000 students in studying in a fun way. The platform has earned him the much-coveted millionaire status.
6. Murendwa Mmabasotho Mukwevho
Year of birth: 1990
Murendwa Mmabasotho Mukwevho is a young lady who owns several businesses including logistics and printing. She comes from a family of business moguls, and her father is her primary source of inspiration. She is the founder of Mukwevho Enterprises, a company that delivers goods to clients using trucks.
She also owns Phomolong Guest House in Maseru and heads PNM Properties that purchases properties. The properties are then developed and rented out or sold. She also runs Morenda Printing Services in Maseru. Murendwa also works as a studio director and editor at the SABC studios.
7. Adii Pienaar
Year of birth: 1987
Adii Pienaar is the founder of Woothemes, a company that bags approximately $2 million annually in revenue. He established the company in 2007 when he was only 20 years old. Woothemes specialises is developing unique and customised plug-ins and themes for WordPress.
His unique work has led other companies such as Tumblr to request for similar services. This business mogul also doubles as the founder and president of PublicBeta, a company that enables successful business people to mentor young startups in the country.
8. Max Hussman
Year of birth: 1986
Max Hussman began exploring his business ventures in 2009 when he was only 23 years old. He founded the Elegance Group that encompasses Elegance Aid, a consultancy in aviation and sports consulting.
He has also authored a best-seller book that motivates people to pursue their passion. He continues to leave an indelible mark in the South African aviation sector.
9. Duduzane Zuma
Year of birth: 1984
Duduzane Zuma is the son of former president Jacob Zuma. He serves as the founder and head of Mabengela Investments that boasts of a 12.5% ownership in the Ayigobi Consortium.
While many people may argue that his success is linked to his family, it has been established that he carved a niche for himself through hard work. His family has supported him all along.
10. Mike Eilersten
Date of birth: 2nd of March 1982
During his teenage years, Mike Eilersten founded the media company Live Out Loud in 2007. Before this, he served as a waiter. During his time away from school and work, he developed a database on the top businessmen in South Africa. He later set up his company that has since made him a multi-millionaire.
