Mvula

Elon Musk’s journey from Pretoria to becoming one of the most influential figures in technology and space exploration is a story of relentless ambition. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has disrupted industries ranging from electric vehicles to private space travel, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. His impact extends far beyond his companies—his innovations have redefined global transportation, communications, and the push for interplanetary colonisation. Yet, despite his global success, Musk’s South African roots played a key role in shaping his outlook. Growing up in Pretoria, he developed a deep interest in science and engineering, which laid the foundation for his later ventures. His story is not just…

​Born on December 22, 1979, in Mokwasele village, Modjadji, South Africa, Rali Mampeule’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in real estate is both inspiring and instructive. Starting as a street hawker selling boerewors rolls while pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree through UNISA, Mampeule’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to the real estate sector. In 2001, he began his career as an assistant real estate agent at Chas Everitt International Property Group in Bryanston, Johannesburg. By 2004, he acquired a Chas Everitt franchise in Midrand, becoming the first Black real estate top executive in South African history. Mampeule’s commitment to education saw him completing an Advanced Management…

South Africa is home to over 37,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), each with assets exceeding $1 million, and a growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) with fortunes above $30 million. Collectively, they control a significant portion of the country’s private wealth, which is estimated at around $651 billion. While mining and traditional industries have long been the backbone of wealth creation, modern investors are diversifying their portfolios to protect against economic volatility, currency depreciation, and shifting global markets. Investment strategies among South Africa’s wealthy are shaped by the need to balance risk and long-term growth. Equities remain a dominant asset class, with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) providing access to major…

In recent years, the global fashion industry has witnessed a significant trend of celebrities launching their own fashion lines, leveraging their personal brands to enter the retail market. This phenomenon is not limited to Hollywood; South African celebrities have also embraced this venture, merging their public personas with entrepreneurial ambitions. One notable example is Bonang Matheba, a prominent South African media personality. In 2008, she collaborated with retailer Legit to introduce her first clothing line, “Just B.” This initial success paved the way for subsequent ventures, including a handbag collection called “Baby Star” and the ongoing lingerie line “Distraction By Bonang” with Woolworths, launched in 2014. Another significant figure is…

Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer, the twin daughters of Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, are members of one of Britain’s most distinguished aristocratic families. As nieces of the late Princess Diana, they have grown up in the shadow of royal heritage while forging their own path in the world of fashion, philanthropy, and media. Unlike many of their British aristocratic peers, the twins spent much of their formative years in South Africa, a decision that shaped their personalities, outlook on life, and approach to fame. Cape Town, with its blend of cosmopolitan luxury and natural splendour, became the backdrop for their unique upbringing, offering both privacy and opportunity away…

Patrice Motsepe’s ascent from a modest childhood in Soweto to one of Africa’s most influential business and sports figures is a testament to vision, resilience, and strategic decision-making. As South Africa’s first Black billionaire, he reshaped the mining industry through African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and later extended his influence into football leadership as the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). His journey is one of calculated ambition, merging corporate success with philanthropy and sports development. Born on 28 January 1962, Motsepe grew up in a business-oriented household. His father, Augustine Motsepe, a chief of the Mmakau community, owned a small but successful retail store that catered to local…

Tyla Laura Seethal, known professionally as Tyla, has rapidly emerged as a prominent figure in the global music industry. Born on January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, South Africa, she began her musical journey by sharing original songs and covers on social media platforms, capturing the attention of industry professionals. Her unique blend of pop, R&B, and amapiano—a genre originating from South Africa—has distinguished her in a competitive landscape. Tyla’s impact extends beyond her home country, marking significant milestones on international charts. Her 2023 single “Water” achieved remarkable success, entering the top ten in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. Notably, she became the first South African…

Nicky Oppenheimer, one of South Africa’s most influential business figures, played a pivotal role in shaping the global diamond industry through his leadership at De Beers. As the heir to a multi-generational legacy, he modernised the company’s operations, navigated industry challenges, and ultimately oversaw its sale to Anglo American in 2011. Since then, he has focused on philanthropy, particularly in conservation, education, and African economic development, ensuring a lasting impact beyond the diamond trade. The Oppenheimer family’s involvement in the diamond sector dates back to the early 20th century, when Ernest Oppenheimer founded Anglo American and gained control of De Beers. Under his leadership, De Beers established itself as the…

Kabelo Motha, widely known as Kabza De Small, is a leading figure in Amapiano, a genre that has reshaped South Africa’s music scene. His influence extends beyond producing chart-topping hits—he is regarded as one of the pioneers responsible for Amapiano’s global rise. With millions of streams, sold-out performances, and collaborations with top artists, his success has placed him at the forefront of the industry. In late 2023, allegations surfaced claiming that Kabza had been unfaithful. A woman shared an image of him sleeping, suggesting an intimate encounter. The post quickly gained traction, dividing fans and sparking debate. While some dismissed the claims as an invasion of privacy, others questioned his…

Siyabonga Radebe is a well-known South African entertainer, celebrated for his roles in television, film, and theatre. His sharp comedic style and acting talent have earned him a strong following. However, in October 2019, his career faced a serious setback when he was arrested for alleged drunk driving following a car accident in Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-Natal. Drunk driving remains a critical issue in South Africa, with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reporting that alcohol-related crashes account for nearly 27% of road fatalities annually. Given Radebe’s public status, his arrest reignited debates about celebrity accountability and the dangers of impaired driving. The incident also raised questions about how high-profile figures influence…