Current Top 10 South African Celebrities and Their Net Worth

There are countless gifted South African Celebrities in entertainment sector who have made significant riches from their profession. Many local talents have become well-known and wealthy, from award-winning performers and comedians who dazzle audiences across the world to chart-topping singers who delight fans at home.

So who are the richest celebs making millions these days apart from earning an Average Salary in South Africa? I was curious to find out so I did some digging into the current net worth of the top stars down here. Some big names you might expect, but also a few surprises. Here’s who came out on top with the biggest bank balances:

1. Charlize Theron

Coming in at number one with an estimated $200 million is none other than Charlize Theron. Born here in South Africa but absolutely dominating Hollywood now, the 47-year-old is cleaning up with roles paying $30-40 million a movie. Through her production company, too, she’s cemented herself as a force to be reckoned with. 

On top of starring in huge blockbusters like The Devil’s Advocate and Mad Max, she’s also done well investing her money elsewhere over the decades. With the huge paychecks and savvy business moves, she’s definitely living large these days while staying true to her roots.

2. Trevor Noah

In at number two with $100 million is everyone’s favorite comedian Trevor Noah. Man, this guy really blew up after taking over The Daily Show in the US – earning a cool $16 million yearly! And it’s well deserved too because the show is hilarious under his leadership. He’s also shown his acting chops lately in Black Panther and Coming 2 America. With best-selling books and standup specials on top of that, it’s no surprise this Johannesburg-born funnyman is cleaning up.

3. AKA

At number three is one of our true legends of local hip hop, AKA. According to reports, AKA net worth is $50 Million. This dude has been dominating the scene for over 15 years now with smash hits like “Congratulate”. Between his record deals, endorsements and businesses, it all adds up over time. Not that it’s all been plain sailing, with some hard times personal too like the loss of his fiancée Nellie. But you’ve got to commend his dedication to his craft paying off big time after all these years.

4. Moshidi Motshegwa

Actress Moshidi Motshegwa comes in at number four on the list with a sizeable net worth estimated at $8 million. The 46-year-old thespian found widespread fame and acclaim for her role as Denzela Ledwaba in the long-running SABC 2 soapie Zero Tolerance from 2003-2006. Leveraging her newfound celebrity status, Motshegwa followed with notable roles in prominent films and television shows over the years, such as Drum, Rockville, and The River. While maintaining an illustrious screen career within South Africa’s fairly fledgling entertainment industry, her financial fortunes would certainly be more substantial had she also pursued Hollywood ventures. Nonetheless, Motshegwa’s decades of work, business prowess, and savvy investments have rewarded her multi-million dollar wealth today.

5. Cassper Nyovest AKA Mufasa

The self-proclaimed “president” of South African hip hop, Cassper Nyovest, lands in fifth position. Cassper Nyovest net worth is estimated at $18 million. The prolific 31-year-old hip hop artist and entrepreneur, born in Mahikeng, shattered numerous music records after the smash success of his 2015 studio album “Tsholofelo.” Since rising to fame in the 2010s as part of the #FillUp series, Cassper has maintained chart-topping status across the country through subsequent albums and sell-out shows.

 Beyond music, he also owns a lifestyle brand called Root of Fame, endorsement deals, shares in liquor company Billiato, and a stake in sports outfit Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC. Despite hits and misses in his brash entrepreneurial pursuits over the years, Casper’s business acumen and continued music dominance have cemented his spot among SA’s wealthiest young stars.

6. Bonang Matheba

At number six is beloved media personality Bonang Matheba, with an estimated net worth of $7 million. Nicknamed “Queen B” and “Media Mogul” by her legions of fans, the 35-year-old is truly a queen of influence and business. Heralded as a trailblazer in the local entertainment industry since rising to fame in 2007, Bonang has proven her business acumen by launching various successful ventures over the years, such as her TV show Being Bonang, furniture line Homeground, sparkling wine collection BNG and investment partnership with Lion of Africa TV. The savvy star also endorses a range of major brands, from Absolut Vodka to Ciroc. Though her flamboyant persona and work keep her constantly in the limelight, Bonang maintains an air of class and grace in all her endeavors to become a source of inspiration for many.

7. Connie Ferguson

At number seven, we have the legendary power couple, Connie Ferguson and Shona Ferguson, with a combined net worth of $12 million. While Shona sadly passed away in July 2021 at the age of 47, his legacy lives on through his successful partnership and investments with his wife, Connie, over decades. The Fergusons found widespread fame and fortune locally by starring together in hit shows like The Wild, which rocked Mzansi’s small screen since 1996. They also launched the production company Ferguson Films in 2010, which has produced several popular TV series, such as Rockville. Savvy business moves like opening a decor store, Homeground, and involvement in other ventures ensured financial prosperity for the iconic duo beloved by fans. Despite the personal loss, the resilient Connie carries on their joint legacy today through acting roles and empowering others to succeed.

8. Minnie Dlamini

In at number eight is multi-talented TV host, actress and entrepreneur Minnie Dlamini with a net worth estimated at $5 million. The energetic 33-year-old got her big break in 2010 as a VJ for SABC1’s Live Amp music showcase, fast becoming a household name. Leveraging her celebrity, Minnie has expertly taken on diverse roles, from starring in TV shows and films to presenting award shows. She also authored a memoir and launched lifestyle brands, including a couture label, liquor company, and production company. On top of a thriving media career, shrewd business sense has enabled Minnie to amass great wealth at a young age. Her lavish 2017 wedding to Quinton Jones was even televised locally in a reality docu-series titled Becoming Mrs Jones.

9. Sello Maake kaNcube

At number nine is the legendary Sello Maake ka Ncube, with a net worth of around $13 million. The renowned 63-year-old veteran actor has enthralled local audiences for over three decades through iconic roles in popular television series. Most notably, Sello is cherished for his role as Chairman of Generation’s board, Archie Moroka, for over 17 years till the show wrapped in 2020. His roles in Scandal!, Igazi, and The Queen also captivated viewers. With an illustrious career spanning six Golden Horn Awards, two AMAA Awards, and more, Sello’s talents and bank balance continue soaring. Additionally, he runs a production company, Lesaka The Group, which has produced several films and shows. Indeed, this screen stalwart is a South African television royalty with riches to match.

10. Sharlto Copley

Last but definitely not least, in tenth place is renowned actor Sharlto Copley, who has an impressive net worth of $15 million. The versatile 50-year-old star from Pretoria shot to global fame after his unforgettable breakout role in the 2009 sci-fi hit District 9, earning widespread acclaim. Building on this success, Copley delivered powerhouse performances in big-budget blockbusters like Elysium, Oldboy remake, and Jimmy’s Hall. Apart from on-screen prowess, the astute entrepreneur also runs a production outfit Beeple Crap and has stakes in multiple startups, including augmented reality company Anthropic. By maintaining relevance through diverse talents on both sides of the camera lens, Copley continues amassing wealth well into his fifth decade.

In Wrap

And there concludes my insightful look into the dazzling world of wealth inhabited by South Africa’s most successful celebrities based on credible statistics. From award-winning talents storming Hollywood to chart-topping stars entertaining locals, these dazzling individuals have achieved immense fame and fortune through dedication to their craft apart from earning an Average Salary in South Africa. While external factors like industry bias and market forces influence earnings to some degree, each celebrity on this list achieved pinnacles of success through sustained hard work, business flair, and capturing hearts worldwide with their unique gifts. As their journeys aptly show, remarkable things can be accomplished when passion meets perseverance.

For those striving towards fulfillment in the arts or any field, may these celebrity success stories continue serving as inspiration that anything is possible through focusing one’s talents, seizing opportunities, and never giving up on dreams no matter the challenges along the way. If you’d like to learn more about securing your own financial future, please check out our guides on managing personal loans and bursaries and investing wisely on SASSALoans.co.za.