Johannesburg, which is home to influential business executives, investors, and entrepreneurs, continues to be the financial centre of South Africa. It’s crucial to remember, though, that there isn’t a verified ranking that lists the wealthiest women by city for 2026. The majority of wealth statistics are gathered at the national or continental level.
Based on available estimates, industry presence, and influence, this list thus identifies 15 of the most notable and affluent women with close business ties to Johannesburg and Gauteng.
Leading Richest Women Shaping Johannesburg’s Wealth Landscape
1. Wendy Appelbaum
Approximate Wealth of More Than R2.6B
Wendy Appelbaum is known for her philanthropic activities and as one of the largest investors in Liberty Group and Wiphold.
Wendy’s guides are comprised of three core areas of interest: health care, education and support for people.
Each of the causes that she supports has improved the lives of millions of people across South Africa in the same way that she has achieved spectacular financial results in the last 20 years.
2. Wendy Ackerman
Net Worth Estimate: $200M
As a co-founder of Pick’n Pay, Wendy Ackermann has helped develop one of Africa’s biggest retail chains. Many of her works of community service have had a major impact on consumer behaviour over many years, and most of these projects focus on providing an educational opportunity, promoting social justice, and supporting struggling communities throughout South Africa.
3. Bridgette Radebe
Estimated net worth: $100M
Bridgette Radebe is a South African businesswoman who was one of the first black female entrepreneurs in the mining industry by Mmakau Mining Company, as well as a pioneer in the mining community. While she was building her wealth, she also promoted transformation, inclusion and growth throughout the mining industry.
4. Magda Wierzycka
Estimated net worth $500 million plus
As CEO of Sygnia, Magda Wierzycka is one of South Africa’s most influential financial leaders who has had a major impact on both the asset management industry as well as on the financial markets and policy agendas that she is involved with. In particular, she has taken a strong position in favour of transparency and governance in the financial services industry and has firmly established herself as one of the leading female finance executives in South Africa.
5. Irene Charnley
Estimated net worth $150 million
Irene Charnley is an experienced telecommunications and investments executive, who was instrumental in building of MTN’s African presence. Most recently, she was CEO of Smile Telecoms and has driven significant digital growth and increased connectivity for people throughout Africa, and through her investments, she has created an impressive amount of wealth.
Read more: Top 10 Richest People in Africa
6. Sharon Wapnick
Sharon Wapnick is valued at an estimated $50 million. Her wealth has come from being one of the largest contributors to Johannesburg’s commercial property market by utilising various investment vehicles, such as Premium Properties and Octodec and developing urban areas with long-term investments.
7. Elizabeth Bradley
Elizabeth Bradley’s net worth is approximately $32 million due to her affiliation with Wesco Investments and her successful sale of a portion of her stake in Toyota South Africa. Bradley’s financial decisions have always been made with a long-term investment approach, which allows her to be viewed as one of the top women in corporate finance.
8. Judy Dlamini
Estimated Net Worth: R124 million (approx)
In starting the Mbekani Group, Judy Dlamini invested heavily in both the healthcare industry and various investment ventures. In addition to her business success as someone who has published numerous books and written articles on topics such as leadership, education, and empowering women, she actively promotes these issues through her advocacy work throughout South Africa’s business and social sectors.
9. Nonkululeko Gobodo
Estimated Net Worth: $431 million (approx)
Nonkululeko Gobodo is South Africa’s first black female chartered accountant and the founder of Gobodo Incorporated; she has made major contributions to the development of corporate governance, auditing standards and the transformation of South Africa’s financial services sector.
10. Christine Ramon
Estimated Net Worth: Estimated to be $40M+
Christine Ramon, who previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of AngloGold Ashanti, has amassed an impressive fortune due to her extensive experience in executive leadership positions at international companies. She has earned a reputation for having a strong understanding of how to create a financial strategy and effectively manage the financial aspects of running a company while creating a long-term, sustainable business model.
11. Zarin Merali
Estimated Net Worth: $220M+
Zarin Merali is a multifaceted investor with businesses ranging from logistics to infrastructure to private equity. She has made significant strategic investments throughout Africa that have aided in improving the economies of the continent and have contributed to her emergence as a significant player in the global business community.
12. Lynette Saltzman
Estimated net worth: $500 million
Lynette Saltzman, co-founder of Dis-Chem Pharmacies, built a leading healthcare retail chain across South Africa. Her business success has significantly impacted the pharmaceutical sector, making healthcare products widely accessible nationwide.
13. Wendy Luhabe
Estimated net worth: Undisclosed
Wendy Luhabe is a respected business leader and advocate for women’s economic empowerment. Through her investment ventures and leadership roles, she has consistently promoted inclusive growth and expanded opportunities for women in business.
14. Poppy Mavundla
Estimated net worth: Millions (estimated)
Poppy Mavundla, founder of Mavundla Engineering, built her wealth in mining services and infrastructure. Her company plays a key role in supporting industrial projects and job creation across South Africa’s growing economy.
15. Khanyi Dhlomo
Estimated net worth: Millions (estimated)
Khanyi Dhlomo is a media and luxury entrepreneur who founded Ndalo Media. She expanded into high-end retail and real estate, influencing South Africa’s lifestyle and publishing industries while building a strong personal brand.
Final Thoughts
A significant change in Africa’s economy is reflected in the women on this list. In addition to increasing wealth, they are fostering innovation, leadership, and social impact in a variety of sectors.
As more women enter high-value industries and gain influence, Johannesburg continues to be a springboard for female financial success.
FAQs
1. Is there a formal list of Johannesburg’s wealthiest women?
The majority of the data is national or continental, so there isn’t a verified city-specific ranking.
2. Who is the wealthiest woman associated with Johannesburg?
Many people rank Wendy Appelbaum as one of the wealthiest.
3. Which sectors account for the majority of their wealth?
The main industries are retail, real estate, finance, and mining.
4. Did these women create themselves?
Many are self-made business owners, such as Magda Wierzycka and Bridgette Radebe.
5. What makes Johannesburg crucial to Africa’s wealth?
It serves as the financial centre of South Africa and is home to significant businesses and investment platforms.
