South Africa’s entertainment industry is thriving, with its top celebrities not only making waves on the global stage but also amassing significant wealth. From film and music to fashion and media, these stars have leveraged their talent and influence to build lucrative careers and diverse business portfolios. The following is a look at the top 10 richest South African celebrities of 2024, who have combined their creative prowess with entrepreneurial acumen to achieve remarkable financial success.
1. Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron was born on August 7, 1975, in Benoni, South Africa. Raised on a farm near Johannesburg, she faced a challenging upbringing, including witnessing her mother, Gerda, shoot and kill her father in self-defense during a domestic incident. Despite these early hardships, Charlize pursued her passion for the arts, initially training as a ballet dancer before turning to acting after a knee injury ended her dance career.
Achievements
Charlize Theron’s acting career took off in the late 1990s, with breakthrough roles in films like The Devil’s Advocate and Mighty Joe Young. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2004 for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster. Throughout her career, she has starred in a wide range of films, including Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, and Bombshell, earning acclaim for her versatility and dedication to her roles. In addition to her Oscar, she has received multiple awards, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Business Ventures
Charlize is also a successful producer, founding her production company, Denver and Delilah Productions, in 2003. The company has produced several films and television series, including Monster and The Old Guard. Beyond entertainment, she is an active philanthropist, leading the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, which focuses on HIV prevention and education in Africa. She is also involved in various humanitarian efforts, advocating for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Charlize Theron’s net worth is around $160 million. Her wealth is derived from her acting career, production company, endorsements with luxury brands like Dior, and various other business ventures.
2. Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah was born on February 20, 1984, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to a Xhosa mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo, and a Swiss-German father, Robert Noah. Growing up during the final years of apartheid, Trevor faced significant challenges due to his mixed-race heritage.
Achievements
Trevor Noah’s career skyrocketed when he became the host of The Daily Show in 2015, succeeding Jon Stewart. Under his leadership, the show gained a global audience, and Trevor became one of the most recognized faces in comedy. He has also earned numerous awards, including multiple NAACP Image Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
Business Ventures
Beyond comedy, Trevor has expanded his influence into various business ventures. He has invested in real estate, launched his own production company (Day Zero Productions), and signed lucrative deals with brands. Additionally, Trevor has been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly in education through his foundation, The Trevor Noah Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in South Africa.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Trevor Noah’s net worth is around $100 million. This wealth comes from his salary as a television host, stand-up comedy tours, book sales, production deals, and endorsements.
3. Black Coffee
Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, was born on March 11, 1976, in Umlazi, Durban, South Africa. He grew up in the Eastern Cape and later moved to Johannesburg to pursue a music career. His journey to stardom began in 2004 when he was selected as a participant in the Red Bull Music Academy in Cape Town. A car accident in his youth left him with a permanently paralyzed left arm, but this did not deter him from pursuing his passion for music.
Achievements
Black Coffee has become one of the most celebrated DJs and music producers globally, known for his unique blend of house music with African influences. He released his debut album in 2005, which established him as a prominent figure in the South African music scene. Over the years, he has released multiple albums and has won numerous awards, including the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa and several South African Music Awards (SAMAs).
Business Ventures
In addition to his music career, Black Coffee has ventured into various business endeavors. He owns a record label, Soulistic Music, which has signed and nurtured numerous African artists. He also has interests in fashion, real estate, and technology. Black Coffee has invested in several startups and has been involved in the development of South Africa’s creative industries through mentorship and entrepreneurship programs.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Black Coffee’s net worth is estimated to be around $70 million. His wealth comes from his successful music career, international tours, production work, and business ventures.
4. Sharlto Copley
Sharlto Copley was born on November 27, 1973, in Pretoria, South Africa. He grew up in Johannesburg and initially pursued a career in film and television production. His passion for the arts began at a young age, and he found himself drawn to both the creative and technical sides of the industry. Sharlto’s big break came when he collaborated with his longtime friend, director Neill Blomkamp, on a short film that eventually led to the creation of District 9, his breakthrough film.
Achievements
Sharlto Copley gained international fame with his role as Wikus van der Merwe in the critically acclaimed sci-fi film District 9 (2009), directed by Neill Blomkamp. The film was a major success, both commercially and critically, and earned several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
Business Ventures
In addition to his acting career, Sharlto Copley has been involved in film production and has worked as a producer on various projects. His early work in the South African television industry helped him develop a keen understanding of the business side of entertainment. While he is primarily focused on acting, Sharlto continues to explore opportunities in production and content creation.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Sharlto Copley’s net worth is around $15 million. His wealth comes from his successful acting career, particularly in Hollywood, as well as his ventures in film production. Sharlto continues to be a prominent figure in the film industry, known for his distinctive roles and contributions to both South African and international cinema.
4. Pearl Thusi
Pearl Thusi was born on May 13, 1988, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She grew up in a multicultural household and quickly gained recognition for her beauty and talent, starting her career as a model in her teenage years. Pearl’s charisma and versatility helped her transition into acting, presenting, and media, making her one of South Africa’s most beloved entertainment figures.
Achievements
Pearl Thusi has made significant strides in her career both locally and internationally. She gained widespread fame for her role as Patricia Kopong in the popular South African drama Zone 14 and later starred in the international series Quantico as Dayana Mampasi. Pearl also made history by playing the lead role in Netflix’s first African original series, Queen Sono.
Business Ventures
Pearl Thusi is also an entrepreneur with ventures in the beauty and fashion industries. She launched her line of hair care products called Black Pearl Hair, which caters to the needs of African women. Pearl is also involved in various brand partnerships and endorsements, making her a prominent influencer in the South African market. Additionally, she has expanded her portfolio with investments in other business ventures, including real estate.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Pearl Thusi’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. Her wealth is attributed to her successful acting career, television hosting, modeling, business ventures, and endorsements.
6. Cassper Nyovest
Cassper Nyovest, born Refiloe Maele Phoolo on December 16, 1990, in Mahikeng, North West, South Africa, is one of the country’s most successful and influential hip-hop artists. He began rapping at a young age and dropped out of school at 16 to pursue a music career. His determination paid off, and he quickly rose to fame in the South African music industry, known for his catchy lyrics and energetic performances.
Achievements
Cassper Nyovest is celebrated for his groundbreaking achievements in South African hip-hop. He gained nationwide recognition with his hit single Gusheshe in 2013 and further solidified his status with Doc Shebeleza. Cassper became the first South African artist to fill up The Dome, a 20,000-seat arena, in 2015, and he continued this trend with other large venues, setting a new standard for live performances in the country. His albums, such as Tsholofelo, Refiloe, and Thuto, have all been commercial successes, earning him numerous awards, including the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and Metro FM Music Awards.
Business Ventures
Cassper Nyovest is also a savvy businessman. He founded his record label, Family Tree Records, which has signed several successful artists. Beyond music, Cassper has diversified his portfolio with ventures in fashion and beverages. He launched his sneaker line in collaboration with Drip Footwear and introduced an alcohol brand, Billiato, which has been well-received in the market. Cassper is also involved in various endorsement deals with major brands, further expanding his influence and wealth.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Cassper Nyovest’s net worth is around $10 million. His income is derived from music sales, live performances, business ventures, endorsements, and his record label.
7. Bonang Matheba
Bonang Matheba, born on June 25, 1987, in Mahikeng, North West, South Africa, is a renowned television presenter, radio host, and entrepreneur. She rose to fame as a presenter on SABC 1’s music show LIVE (now known as Live Amp), where her vibrant personality and unique style quickly made her a household name. Bonang, affectionately known as “Queen B,” has become one of South Africa’s most influential media personalities.
Achievements
Bonang Matheba became the first black South African to appear on the cover of Glamour magazine in 2014 and has graced the covers of several other prestigious magazines. Bonang is also known for hosting the popular radio show The Front Row on Metro FM and h as been a host for major events such as the MTV Africa Music Awards and Miss South Africa. Her book, From A to B, was a bestseller, and she starred in her reality show, Being Bonang, which gave fans an inside look into her glamorous life.
Business Ventures
Bonang Matheba is a successful entrepreneur with several business ventures. She launched her luxury beverage brand, House of BNG, which includes a range of sparkling wines and has become one of South Africa’s top-selling MCC brands. In addition to her business in the beverage industry, Bonang has also released a line of handbags, lingerie, and collaborated with major brands in fashion and beauty.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Bonang Matheba’s net worth is around $7 million. Her income is derived from her media career, business ventures, endorsements, and brand collaborations.
8. Nasty C
Nasty C, born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo on February 11, 1997, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a highly acclaimed rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He developed a passion for music at a young age, starting to rap and produce beats when he was just nine years old. Nasty C’s early talent and dedication to his craft quickly set him apart in the South African music scene.
Achievements
Nasty C burst onto the scene with his mixtape Price City in 2015, which included the hit single “Juice Back.” His debut album, Bad Hair (2016), and its follow-up, Strings and Bling (2018), received widespread acclaim, solidifying his status as one of South Africa’s top hip-hop artists. Strings and Bling won several awards, including Best Hip Hop Album at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). Nasty C has also made a significant impact internationally, signing with Def Jam Recordings and releasing his third album, Zulu Man with Some Power, in 2020, which gained him further recognition in the global music industry.
Business Ventures
In addition to his music career, Nasty C has ventured into business. He launched his own record label, Tall Racks Records, where he supports and promotes emerging talent. Nasty C is also involved in various endorsement deals with major brands, including Puma and Red Bull, further establishing his influence in the entertainment and fashion industries. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to branding have made him a successful young businessperson in addition to his music career.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Nasty C’s net worth is around $4 million. His wealth comes from his music sales, live performances, record label, business ventures, and endorsement deals.
9. Minnie Dlamini
Minnie Dlamini, born Minenhle Dlamini on July 7, 1990, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a well-known television presenter, actress, and model. She gained national fame when she was selected as a presenter for the SABC 1 music show LIVE in 2010, where her charismatic on-screen presence quickly made her a fan favorite. Minnie studied film, media, drama, and economics at the University of Cape Town before pursuing a full-time career in the entertainment industry.
Achievements
Minnie Dlamini has enjoyed a successful career across various media platforms. In addition to her work on LIVE, she has hosted several high-profile events, including the South African Music Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Minnie has also ventured into acting, with roles in popular South African TV series such as The Wild and Rockville. Her influence extends beyond television, as she has become a style icon and one of South Africa’s most followed celebrities on social media.
Business Ventures
Minnie Dlamini is also a successful entrepreneur. In 2016, she launched her skincare range, MD by Minnie Dlamini, which offers a line of products catering to African skin types. Her business ventures also include partnerships and endorsements with leading brands such as Jaguar, Samsung, and Capitec, further solidifying her position as a top South African celebrity. Additionally, Minnie has invested in the film production industry, with her own production company, Beautiful Day Productions, which has produced several successful projects.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Minnie Dlamini’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. Her wealth is derived from her extensive work in television, her business ventures, and numerous brand endorsements.
10. DJ Tira
DJ Tira, born Mthokozisi Khathi on August 24, 1976, in KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a prominent DJ, music producer, and entrepreneur. He began his journey in the music industry in the late 1990s, while studying for a degree in Human Resources at the University of Natal. DJ Tira gained early recognition when he won the Smirnoff DJ Knockout competition in 2000, which opened doors for him in the South African music scene.
Achievements
DJ Tira is one of the most influential figures in the South African music industry, particularly in the genres of kwaito, house, and gqom. He is credited with popularizing the gqom genre, which originated in Durban. DJ Tira is also the founder of the record label Afrotainment, which has been instrumental in launching the careers of several successful artists, including Big Nuz, DJ C’ndo, and Dladla Mshunqisi. His annual music festival, Fact Durban Rocks, is one of the biggest events in South Africa, drawing thousands of fans and showcasing top musical talent. Over the years, DJ Tira has won numerous awards, including the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and Metro FM Music Awards, for his contributions to the music industry.
Business Ventures
Beyond his music career, DJ Tira is a successful entrepreneur. Afrotainment, his record label, is a major player in the South African music industry, managing and producing music for top artists. DJ Tira also owns several businesses, including nightclubs and a range of merchandise under the Afrotainment brand. His business acumen and ability to spot and nurture talent have made him a key figure in South Africa’s entertainment landscape.
Net Worth
As of 2024, DJ Tira’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.5 million. His income comes from his music production, live performances, business ventures, and brand endorsements. DJ Tira remains a pivotal figure in the South African music scene, known for his entrepreneurial spirit, influence in the industry, and commitment to promoting South African music on a global scale.
The wealth of these celebrities is a testament to their talent, hard work, and savvy business decisions. As South Africa continues to produce world-class entertainers, the list of the richest celebrities will undoubtedly evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry. In 2024, these stars dominate not only the screens and stages but also the financial charts, proving that success in entertainment can lead to significant wealth.
