BUSINESS NEWS - As part its ‘South Africa 2017 Wealth Report’, New World Wealth rated the 10 greatest entrepreneurs in SA history
According to the organisation, the criteria included:
- Impact on South Africa and the world
- Innovation
- Jobs created
- Ability to overcome obstacles
As reflected, Sol Kerzner tops the list.
Take a look at the names below to find out more about the entrepreneurs and business gurus who have made an impact in South Africa...
1. Sol Kerzner
Sol Kerzner’s impact on South Africa has been massive. Most of the top luxury hotels and resorts in the country were built by him. Some notable ones are: Sun City and Lost City, Sandton Sun, Beverley Hills, Elangeni and Beacon Island.
What is interesting about these hotels is not so much their success, but rather the impact they have had on the surrounding areas.
For instance, when the Beverley Hills Hotel was built in 1964, Umhlanga was a tiny resort town that most people had never heard of. However, the hotel’s success drew large numbers of wealthy people to the area and Umhlanga eventually became the main holiday hotspot for wealthy Jo'burgers in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Then in the 2000s, Umhlanga overtook Durban, to become the top prime area in Kwazulu Natal for wealthy people to live and work.
The Beacon Island in Plettenberg Bay ('Plett') is a similar story. When the hotel was built in 1972, Plett was still a small village. However, after its success the town took off and Plett now ranks as the top second-home hotspot for the super-rich in South Africa.
Last, but not least, is of course Sun City. The resort, which was built by Sol Kerzner in 1979, set a benchmark for casino and golf resorts worldwide. The resort includes the spectacular Lost City, which was added in the 1990s.
2. Donald Gordon
As the founder of Liberty Life, Donald Gordon will always be remembered for what surely remains his greatest achievement - the benchmark shopping centre for luxury and class worldwide, around which the greatest city in Africa has grown up. The Monolith. Sandton City.
3. Richard Maponya
Despite the many obstacles of the apartheid government, Richard Maponya became a beacon of hope to the people of Soweto, starting several successful, predominantly retail and property businesses in the area. He recently helped to develop Maponya Mall, which is one of the largest shopping centres in the country.
