5 companies owned by South African businessman Lazarus Zim

Key Points

• Zim led major expansions at Northam Platinum and Kumba Iron Ore, driving acquisitions like Eland Platinum and the Booysendal Mine development.
• Beyond mining, Zim’s Zanozi Properties & Commodities strengthened his footprint in real estate, while leadership at MTN and Telkom highlighted his telecom influence.
• Despite past ties to the Gupta family, Zim distanced himself in 2010, shielding his reputation from South Africa’s state capture fallout.

Few business leaders in South Africa have made their mark across industries quite like Polelo Lazarus Zim. A seasoned investor and corporate strategist, Zim has played a defining role in the country’s mining, energy, finance, and real estate sectors. His career—spanning executive leadership, major acquisitions, and boardroom influence—reflects a deep understanding of South Africa’s shifting economic landscape.

A chartered accountant by training, Zim has led some of the country’s most prominent companies, shaping corporate governance and driving economic transformation, especially in mining. As chairman of Northam Platinum and Kumba Iron Ore, he oversaw major expansions, including the development of the Booysendal Mine and the acquisition of Eland Platinum. His leadership at Zambezi Platinum and Afripalm Resources further cemented his status as a key player in the resource sector.

But his business interests go well beyond mining. Through Zanozi Properties & Commodities, he has built a strong presence in real estate and investments, while leadership roles at Anglo American, MTN, and Telkom SA underscore his influence in telecommunications and finance. At Mvelaphanda Resources, he helped drive strategic investments in platinum, gold, and diamonds, reinforcing his place in Africa’s resource economy.

Zim’s career hasn’t been without controversy. His financial ties to the Gupta family—became a risk as the family’s grip on state institutions tightened. However, his decision to cut those ties in 2010, including the removal of Atul Gupta from Northam Platinum’s board, helped shield him from the full impact of the state capture scandal.

With decades of experience and leadership roles in more than 15 companies, Zim remains one of South Africa’s most formidable business figures. Billionaires.Africa takes a closer look at five key companies he owns or holds significant stakes in, highlighting the scale of his investments and lasting influence.

1. Zanozi Properties & Commodities

Lazarus Zim is the founder and chairman of Zanozi Properties & Commodities, a company focused on real estate investments and commodity trading. With a strong background in both industries, he previously served as CEO of Anglo American South Africa Limited and chairman of Anglo Operations Limited. His leadership at Zanozi is built on years of industry expertise and an extensive network, ensuring the company identifies strategic opportunities that drive long-term growth.

2. Afripalm Resources Pty Limited

Afripalm Resources, founded by Zim as an investment vehicle, has grown into a major player in South Africa’s mining sector. The company has interests in platinum, gold, and diamonds, with operations across sub-Saharan Africa. In 2007, Zim led Afripalm’s acquisition of a 19.3 percent economic stake in Mvelaphanda Resources (Mvela), securing a 31 percent voting stake and a key leadership role. He later succeeded Tokyo Sexwale as chairman, further strengthening Mvela’s position as a black-controlled mining company. The acquisition also coincided with the listing of Exxaro Resources—Africa’s largest black-owned mining group—on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, solidifying Afripalm’s influence in the industry.

3. Mvelaphanda Resources Pty Limited

Mvelaphanda Resources is a pan-African mining investment and exploration company established under South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment framework. Through Mvela, Zim holds a 21 percent stake in Northam Platinum. The 2007 acquisition that gave Afripalm a 19.3 percent economic interest in Mvela was a defining moment, making the company 50.5 percent black-controlled. As chairman of Northam, Zim played a crucial role in the company’s growth, focusing on empowerment and strategic expansion.

4. Zim Group

Lazarus Zim and his wife lead the Zim Group, which has investments in Mpilo and Atisa. The firm focuses on identifying and developing high-potential opportunities across multiple industries. Under Zim’s leadership, known for corporate transformation and strategic investments, the group has played a key role in driving black economic participation. In 2015, Northam Platinum completed a major BEE deal, with Zambezi Platinum acquiring 112.2 million shares, financed through 159.9 million BEE preference shares on the JSE. Atisa Consortium, led by Zim, secured 12.8 percent of Zambezi, while the Public Investment Corporation’s Afripalm stake was converted into a 7 percent  Atisa equity—at no cost. This move strengthened black ownership in the mining sector.

5. Northam Platinum Limited

Through Mvelaphanda Resources, Zim holds a 21 percent stake in Northam Platinum, one of South Africa’s top producers of platinum group metals. As non-executive chairman from 2007 to 2017, he oversaw key acquisitions that expanded Northam’s footprint. In 2007, his firm, Afripalm Resources, facilitated the acquisition of Booysendal, positioning Northam for long-term growth. In 2015, he led the purchase of the Everest mine, further strengthening the company’s portfolio. That same year, he played a central role in Northam’s R4.6 billion ($384 million) empowerment deal with Zambezi Platinum RF Ltd., securing its HDSA equity status and boosting its financial position. These strategic moves cemented Northam’s place as a leading, low-cost PGM producer with strong future prospects.