Super-Rich Flock To Cape Winelands As Jo’Burg Loses Shine

The Sunday Times reports the Cape Winelands has become South Africa’s fastest-growing millionaire hotspot, with centimillionaire residents nearly doubling in the past decade, according to the World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2025.

Key Findings

• Wealth Boom: The Winelands (Stellenbosch/Franschhoek/Paarl) now host 18 centimillionaires ($100M+ net worth), up from 10 in 2015
• Cape Town Dominance: The Mother City leads with 34 centimillionaires, up from 28 last year
• Jo’Burg Decline: Gauteng continues losing wealthy residents to coastal regions

Why the Winelands?

1. Luxury Estates: Exclusive developments attract global ultra-high-net-worth individuals
2. Vineyard Lifestyle: Wealthy owners increasingly retire to their wine farms
3. Education Hub: Top schools + Stellenbosch University appeal to affluent families

SA’s Winelands Billionaire Club

The Sunday Times confirms these business titans call the region home:

• Johann Rupert (Richemont) – Africa’s 2nd-richest ($14bn)
• Koos Bekker (Naspers/Prosus)
• Michiel Le Roux (Capitec founder)
• Jannie Mouton (PSG Group)
• Christo Wiese (Brait/Retail)

Economic Impact

“Centimillionaires drive disproportionate wealth creation through entrepreneurship,” notes Henley & Partners. Most own major stakes in:

• Banking & Finance
• Mining/Agriculture
• Tech & Telecoms
• Luxury Retail

Migration Trend

Andrew Amoils (New World Wealth) reveals:

“We’re seeing wealthy entrepreneurs relocate from Johannesburg and Europe, drawn by the Winelands’ safety, scenery, and tax advantages.”

Why This Matters
The shift reflects South Africa’s changing wealth geography, with the Western Cape emerging as the preferred base for the ultra-rich despite national economic challenges.