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thumb|[[Flag of South Africa]]

This is a list of notable and famous South Africans who are the subjects of Wikipedia articles.

Academics

thumb|150px|[[Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr (1894-1948)|Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr]]

Academics

  • Shulamith Behr, art historian (1946–2023)
  • Estian Calitz, academic (born 1949)
  • Jakes Gerwel, academic and anti-apartheid activist (1946–2012)
  • Adam Habib, political scientist (born 1965)
  • Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, academic and politician (1894–1948)
  • Thamsanqa Kambule, South African mathematician and educator (1921–2009)
  • Loren Kruger, academic and author (born 1958)
  • Tshilidzi Marwala, academic and businessman (born 1971)
  • Revil Mason, archeologist (1929–2020)
  • Shula Marks, historian (born 1938)
  • Njabulo Ndebele, Principal of the University of Cape Town (born 1948)
  • D. C. S. Oosthuizen, philosopher (1926–1968)
  • Adriaan N. P. Pelzer, historian and Vice-Principal University Pretoria (1915–1981)
  • Michiel Daniel Overbeek, South African amateur astronomer and prolific variable star observers (1920–2001)
  • Pierre de Villiers Pienaar, pioneering role in speech language therapy and lexicography in South Africa (1904–1978)
  • Calie Pistorius, academic and Principal of the University of Pretoria (born 1958)
  • Milton Shain, academic and professor of Modern Jewish history at the University of Cape Town (born 1949)
  • Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, author, educator, and first black South African to receive a PhD (1906–1947)
  • David Webster, anthropologist (1945–1989)

Medical and veterinary

  • Abraham Manie Adelstein, UK Chief Medical Statistician (1916–1992)
  • Christiaan Barnard, pioneering heart surgeon (1922–2001)
  • Wouter Basson, medical scientist (born 1950)
  • John Borthwick, veterinary surgeon in the Cape Colony (1867–1936)
  • Mary Malahlela, first black woman to register as a medical doctor in South Africa (1916–1981)
  • Joan Morice, first female veterinary surgeon in South Africa (1904–1944)
  • Anna Coutsoudis, public health scientist (born 1952)
  • Patrick Soon-Shiong, surgeon, founder Abraxis BioScience, billionaire (born 1952)
  • Arnold Theiler, veterinarian (1867–1936)
  • Max Theiler, virologist, 1951 Nobel Prize winner (1899–1972)
  • Lindiwe Sidali, surgeon (born 1984)

Scientists

  • Andrew Geddes Bain, geologist (1797–1864)
  • Peter Beighton, geneticist (1934–2023)
  • Wilhelm Bleek, linguist (1827–1875)
  • Robert Broom, palaeontologist (1866–1951)
  • Sydney Brenner, biologist, 2002 Physiology or Medicine Nobel Prize winner (1927–2019)
  • Phillip Clancey, ornithologist (1918–2001)
  • Allan McLeod Cormack, physicist (1924–1998)
  • Zodwa Dlamini, biochemist
  • Clement Martyn Doke, linguist (1893–1980)
  • Mulalo Doyoyo, professor and inventor (born 1970)
  • Edward Stuart Cardinal Dyke, botanist, (1872-1915)
  • Alexander du Toit, geologist (1878–1948)
  • Robert Allen Dyer, botanist (1900–1987)
  • Melville Edelstein, sociologist, killed due to Soweto uprising (1919–1976)
  • Wendy Foden, conservation biologist
  • J. W. B. Gunning, zoologist (1860–1913)
  • Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) (born 1960)
  • Salim Abdool Karim, South African epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist (born 1960)
  • David Lewis-Williams, archaeologist (born 1934)
  • Lucy Lloyd, anthropologist (1834–1914)
  • Thebe Medupe, astrophysicist (born 1973)
  • Hans Merensky, geologist (1871–1952)
  • Mabel Nevill, human computer (1865–1958)
  • Austin Roberts, zoologist (1883–1948)
  • Peter Sarnak, mathematician (born 1953)
  • Ramotholo Sefako, astrophysicist (born 1971)
  • Buyisiwe Sondezi, physicist (born 1976)
  • Basil Schonland, physicist (1896–1972)
  • J. L. B. Smith, ichthyologist (1897–1968)
  • Phillip Tobias, palaeontologist (1925–2012)

Theologians

Also see: Prelates, clerics and evangelists

  • David Bosch (1929–1992)
  • John W. de Gruchy (born 1939)
  • Dion Forster (born 1972)
  • Johan Heyns (1928–1994)

Writers

Authors

thumb|150px|[[J. M. Coetzee]]

thumb|150px|[[Nadine Gordimer]]

  • Lady Anne Barnard, travel writer and artist (1750–1825)
  • Herman Charles Bosman, author (1905–1951)
  • André Brink, author (1935–2015)
  • Justin Cartwright, novelist (1943–2018)
  • J. M. Coetzee, 2003 Nobel Prize-winning author (born 1940)
  • K. Sello Duiker, novelist (1974–2005)
  • Sir Percy FitzPatrick, writer, businessman and politician (1862–1931)
  • Graeme Friedman, author and clinical psychologist
  • Damon Galgut, author (born 1963)
  • Nadine Gordimer, 1991 Nobel Prize-winning author (1923–2014)
  • Alfred Hutchinson, South African author, teacher and activist (1924–1972)
  • C. J. Langenhoven, writer and poet (1873–1932)
  • Pule Lechesa, essayist, literary critic, and poet (born 1976)
  • Kgotso Pieter David Maphalla, the Sesotho language writer (1955–2021)
  • Dalene Matthee, author (1938–2005)
  • Gcina Mhlope, author, storyteller, playwright, director, actor (born 1959)
  • Deon Meyer, author (born 1958)
  • Phaswane Mpe, novelist (1970–2004)
  • Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, author and musician (born 1989)
  • Alan Paton, author (1903–1988)
  • Margaret Roberts, herbalist and writer (1937–2017)
  • Karel Schoeman, novelist and historian (1939–2017)
  • Olive Schreiner, author (1855–1920)
  • Mongane Wally Serote, poet and writer (born 8 May 1944)
  • Wilbur Smith, novelist (1933–2021)
  • J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of The Rings (1892–1973)
  • Etienne van Heerden, novelist (born 1956)
  • Marlene van Niekerk, novelist (born 1954)
  • Lyall Watson, writer (1939–2008)
  • David Yudelman, writer
  • Rachel Zadok, London-based South African writer (born 1972)

Editors

  • Kojo Baffoe, magazine editor (born 1972)
  • Khanyi Dhlomo, magazine editor (born 1975)
  • Laurence Gandar, Rand Daily Mail editor (1915–1998)
  • Niel Hammann, editor of magazines (born 1937)
  • John Tengo Jabavu, political activist and newspaper editor (1859–1921)
  • Aggrey Klaaste, journalist and editor (1940–2004)
  • Max du Preez, newspaper editor (born 1951)

Poets

See also: South African poets and Afrikaans language poets

thumb|Mongane Wally Serote

  • Roy Campbell, poet (1901–1957)
  • Judy Croome, poet (born 1958)
  • Sheila Cussons, poet (1922–2004)
  • Jonty Driver (1939–2023)
  • Jakob Daniël du Toit, poet a.k.a. Totius (1877–1953)
  • Elisabeth Eybers, poet (1915–2007)
  • Stephen Gray, writer and poet (1941–2020)
  • Ingrid Jonker, poet (1933–1965)
  • Moira Lovell, poet, playwright and literary critic (born 1951)
  • Antjie Krog, poet, novelist and playwright (born 1952)
  • Laurence Lerner, poet (1925–2016)
  • Lucas Malan, Afrikaans academic and poet (1946–2010)
  • Chris Mann, poet (1948–2021)
  • Eugène Nielen Marais, poet, writer, lawyer and naturalist (1871–1936)
  • Michael Mosoeu Moerane, first black South African to write a symphonic poem, choral music composer and maternal uncle to Thabo Mbeki (1904–1980)
  • Thomas Pringle, poet and journalist (1789–1834)
  • N.S. Puleng, poet and author (born 1958)
  • N. P. van Wyk Louw, poet (1906–1970)
  • Mongane Wally Serote, poet, activist and politician (born 1944)
  • Stephen Watson, poet (1954–2011)

Journalists

thumb|Sol Plaatje

  • Jani Allan, journalist and radio personality (born 1953)
  • George Claassen, journalist (born 1949)
  • Robyn Curnow, CNN television reporter and anchor
  • John Charles Daly, television journalist, executive and game show host (1914–1991)
  • Arnold S de Beer, journalist and academic (1942–2021)
  • Frene Ginwala, journalist and politician (1932–2023)
  • Arthur Goldstuck, journalist (born 1959)
  • Devi Sankaree Govender, investigative journalist (born 1972)
  • Niel Hammann, journalist (born 1937)
  • Noni Jabavu, journalist, editor and first black South African woman to publish an autobiography (1919–2008)
  • Archibald Campbell Jordan (1906–1968)
  • Lara Logan, CBS television reporter/correspondent (born 1971)
  • Peter Magubane, South African photographer (1932–2024)
  • Leanne Manas, television journalist and anchor (born 1974)
  • John Matisonn, print and radio journalist for both South African and United States broadcasters (born 1949)
  • Zakes Mda, journalist (born 1948)
  • Nathaniel Ndazana Nakasa, South African journalist and short story writer (1937–1965)
  • Sam Nzima, South African photographer, who took the image of Hector Pieterson for the Soweto uprising (1934–2018)
  • Henry Nxumalo, investigative journalist under apartheid (1917–1957)
  • Sol Plaatje, journalist and political activist (1877–1932)
  • Percy Qoboza, journalist, editorial writer, and political activist (1938–1988)
  • Barry Streek, journalist, political activist, author, parliamentary media manager (1948–2006)
  • Redi Tlhabi, journalist and broadcaster (born 1978)
  • Eric Lloyd Williams, journalist and war correspondent (1915–1988)
  • Donald Woods, journalist and anti-apartheid activist (1933–2001)

Artists

thumb|150px|[[Dave Matthews]]

Performing artists

Actors and actresses

  • Anel Alexander, actress, producer (born 1979)
  • Ayanda Borotho, actress (born 1981)
  • Ivan Botha, actor (born 1984)
  • Lesley-Ann Brandt, South African born actress (born 1981), notable for her role as Mazikeen in the show Lucifer
  • Kai Luke Brümmer, actor (born 1993)
  • Peter Cartwright, actor (1935–2013)
  • Baby Cele, actress (born 1972)
  • Presley Chweneyagae, actor (1984–2025)
  • Sharlto Copley, actor, (District 9) (born 1973)
  • Katlego Danke, actress (born 1978)
  • Embeth Davidtz, actress (born 1965)
  • Gopala Davies, actor and director (born 1988)
  • Ryan de Villiers, actor (born 1992)
  • Sindi Dlathu, actress (born 1974)
  • Pallance Dladla, actor (born 1992)
  • Lillian Dube, South African actress (born 1945)
  • Vinette Ebrahim, actress (born 1957)
  • Kim Engelbrecht, actress (born 1980)
  • Willie Esterhuizen, actor
  • Connie Ferguson, actress (born 1970)
  • Shona Ferguson, actor (1972–2021)
  • Brett Goldin, actor (1977–2006)
  • Zoe Gail, actress (1920–2020)
  • Gugu Gumede, actress (born 1991)
  • Roxane Hayward, actress (born 1991)
  • Hennie Jacobs, actor (born 1981)
  • David James, actor, stage, television, and film actor (born 1972)
  • Sid James, film and television actor (1913–1976)
  • Glynis Johns, actress (1923–2024)
  • Adhir Kalyan, actor (born 1983)
  • Atandwa Kani, actor (born 1984)
  • John Kani, actor, entertainer and writer (born 1943)
  • Dawn Thandeka King, actress (born 1977)
  • Shannon Kook (born 1987)
  • Paballo Koza, actor (born 2002)
  • Alice Krige, actress (born 1954)
  • Deon Lotz, actor (born 1964)
  • Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, actor (born 1960)
  • Gail Mabalane, actress (born 1984)
  • Joe Mafela, actor, writer and singer (1942–2017)
  • Maps Maponyane, actor (born 1990)
  • Warren Masemola, actor (born 1983)
  • Khanyi Mbau, radio and television personality and actress (born 1985), notable for Happiness Is a Four-letter Word
  • Nomzamo Mbatha, actress (born 1990)
  • Michelle Mosalakae, actress (born 1994)
  • Thuso Mbedu, actress (born 1991)
  • Sean Michael, (born 1969)
  • Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, actress (born 1988)
  • Masoja Msiza, actor (born 1964)
  • Patrick Mynhardt, actor (1932–2007)
  • Themba Ndaba, actor (born 1965)
  • Menzi Ngubane, actor (born 1967)
  • Jessica Nkosi, actress (born 1990)
  • Kenneth Nkosi, actor (born 1973)
  • Winnie Ntshaba, actress (born 1975)
  • Winston Ntshona, actor (1941–2018)
  • Nandi Nyembe, South African actress (born 1950)
  • Tarina Patel, actor (born 1986]
  • Madelaine Petsch, actress (born 1994)
  • Terry Pheto, actress (born 1981)
  • Tanit Phoenix, actress (Death Race: Inferno, Lord of War, Safe House, Femme Fatales, Mad Buddies) (born 1984)
  • Sasha Pieterse, actress (born 1996)
  • Sandra Prinsloo, South African actress (born 1947), The Gods Must Be Crazy, Quest for Love
  • Ama Qamata, actress (born 1998)
  • Basil Rathbone, actor (1892–1967)
  • Jo-anne Reyneke, actress (born 1988)
  • Ian Roberts, actor, playwright, singer (born 1952)
  • Angelique Rockas pioneer of multi-racial theatre in the UK (born 1951)
  • Buhle Samuels
  • Stelio Savante, actor (born 1970)
  • Clive Scott, actor (1937–2021)
  • Rapulana Seiphemo, actor (born 1967)
  • Cliff Severn, actor (1925–2014)
  • Raymond Severn, actor (1930–1994)
  • Antony Sher, actor, author and painter (1949–2021)
  • Cliff Simon, actor (1962–2021)
  • William Smith, TV teacher and presenter (born 1939)
  • Linda Sokhulu, actress (born 1976)
  • Shaleen Surtie-Richards, actress (1955–2021)
  • Janet Suzman, actress (born 1939)
  • Reine Swart, actress, producer
  • Charlize Theron, actress (born 1975)
  • Pearl Thusi, actress, model, MC (born 1988)
  • Siyabonga Thwala, actor (born 1969)
  • Chioma Umeala, South African-Nigerian actress (born 1996)
  • Pieter-Dirk Uys, political satirist and entertainer (born 1945)
  • Brümilda van Rensburg, actress (born 1956)
  • Musetta Vander, actress (born 1969)
  • Arnold Vosloo, actor (born 1962), The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, 24

Dancers

  • Juliet Prowse, dancer (1936–1996)
  • Bontle Modiselle, dancer (born 1990)

Playwrights and film directors

  • Neill Blomkamp, director, District 9 (born 1979)
  • Charles J. Fourie, playwright (born 1965)
  • Athol Fugard, playwright (1932–2025)
  • Ronald Harwood, playwright and writer (1934–2020)
  • Oliver Hermanus, film director and writer (born 1983)
  • Gray Hofmeyr South African film director (born 1949)
  • Gavin Hood, film director, wrote and directed the Academy Award-winning Tsotsi (2005) (born 1963)
  • Rob De Mezieres, film director and writer
  • Jyoti Mistry, film director, installation artist and scholar (born 1970)
  • Mbongeni Ngema, playwright, actor, choreographer and director (born 1955)
  • Michael Oblowitz film director (born 1952)
  • Mthuli ka Shezi, playwright and political activist (1947–1972)
  • Leon Schuster, filmmaker, comedian, actor and prankster (born 1951)
  • Jamie Uys, film director (1921–1996)

Singers, musicians and composers

  • AKA (rapper), South African Kiernan Forbes (1988–2023)
  • Zain Bhikha, world-renowned singer-songwriter of the Nasheed genre
  • Michael Blake, classical composer (born 1951)
  • Johan Botha, opera singer (1965–2016)
  • Al Bowlly, popular singer (1898–1941)
  • Don Clarke, singer-songwriter (born 1955)
  • Johnny Clegg, musician (1953–2019)
  • Mimi Coertse, opera singer (born 1932)
  • Fanie de Jager, operatic tenor (born 1949)
  • Lucky Dube, reggae singer (1964–2007)
  • Brenda Fassie, anti-apartheid Afropop singer-songwriter, dancer and activist (1964–2004)
  • Daniel Friedman ("Deep Fried Man"), musical comedian (born 1981)
  • Steve Kekana, singer-songwriter (1958–2021)
  • Jabu Khanyile, musician and lead vocalist (1957–2006)
  • Claire Johnston, singer (born 1967)
  • David Kramer, singer and playwright (born 1951)
  • Clare Loveday, classical composer (born 1967)
  • Lira (singer), singer (born 1979)
  • Sipho Mabuse, singer (born 1951)
  • Ringo Madlingozi, South African singer-songwriter, producer, and member of parliament (born 1964)
  • Arthur Mafokate, kwaito musician and producer (born 1962)
  • Winston Mankunku Ngozi, tenor sax player (1943–2009)
  • Mahlathini, mbaqanga singer (1938–1999)
  • Miriam Makeba, singer and civil rights activist (1932–2008)
  • Rebecca Malope, multi-award-winning South African gospel singer (born 1968)
  • Manfred Mann, musician (born 1940)
  • Hugh Masekela, jazz trumpeter and singer (1939–2018)
  • Gwendolyn Masin, violinist, author, pedagogue (born 1977)
  • Lebo Mathosa, popular South African kwaito singer (1977–2006)
  • Dave Matthews, leader of the Dave Matthews Band (born 1967)
  • Shaun Morgan, lead singer of the award-winning band Seether (born 1978)
  • Ray Phiri, jazz, fusion and Mbhaqanga musician (1947–2017)
  • Aquiles Priester, drummer (born 1971)
  • Rex Rabanye, jazz, fusion and soulful pop musician (1944–2010)
  • Trevor Rabin, musician, composer, former member of progressive rock band Yes (born 1954)
  • Koos Ras, comedian, singer, writer, composer (1928–1997)
  • Charles Segal (pianist), composer, arranger, Guinness World Record holder (1929–2021)
  • Enoch Sontonga, composer of national anthem (1873–1905)
  • Joseph Shabalala, founder and director of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (1941–2020)
  • ZP Theart, singer, ex Dragonforce (born 1975)
  • Costa Titch, Amapiano rapper and dancer (1995–2023)
  • Hilda Tloubatla, lead singer of Mahotella Queens (born 1942)
  • Watkin Tudor Jones, rapper, performance artist, band member of Die Antwoord (born 1974)
  • Tyla, R&B singer-songwriter (born 2002)
  • Arnold van Wyk, classical composer (1916–1983)
  • Yolandi Visser, rapper, performance artist, band member of Die Antwoord (born 1984)
  • Amor Vittone, singer, performing artist and gold-disc recording artist (born 1972)
  • Kevin Volans, classical composer (born 1949)
  • Amira Willighagen, soprano (born 2004)

Models, socialites and media personalities

  • Jani Allan, radio personality, journalist (born 1953)
  • Gina Athans, model, international socialite (born 1984)
  • Riaan Cruywagen, TV news reader (born 1945)
  • Lasizwe Dambuza, television personality (born 1998)
  • Belle Delphine, Social Media Personality (born 1999)
  • Trevor Denman, horse racing announcer (born 1952)
  • Minnie Dlamini, TV presenter, TV personality, model and actress (born 1990)
  • Jade Fairbrother, model, fitness bikini competitor, Playboy Playmate (born 1986)
  • Watkin Tudor Jones (Ninja) singer, rapper, actor, director (born 1974)
  • Roxy Ingram, model (born 1982)
  • Alan Khan, radio and television personality (born 1971)
  • Caspar Lee, YouTube personality and actor (born 1994)
  • Jeremy Maggs, journalist, radio host and television presenter (born 1961)
  • Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu, radio and TV host and philanthropist (born 1967)
  • Myra Manganye, South African Reality Competition titleholder
  • Jeremy Mansfield, radio and TV personality
  • Maps Maponyane, media socialite, model and actor (born 1990)
  • Robert Marawa, sports journalist, television and radio personality (born 1973)
  • Megan McKenzie, model (born 1980)
  • Trevor Noah, comedian, actor, radio and television host (born 1984)
  • Debora Patta, broadcast journalist and television producer (born 1964)
  • Tanit Phoenix, Sports Illustrated model and actress (born 1984)
  • Lunga Shabalala, TV presenter, model and actor (born 1989)
  • Linda Sibiya, radio personality, radio producer, television host, television producer and broadcaster.
  • Troye Sivan, YouTube personality, actor and singer (born 1995)
  • Reeva Steenkamp, model (1983–2013)
  • Candice Swanepoel, Victoria's Secret model (born 1988)
  • Charlize Theron, actress, film producer (born 1975)
  • Lesego Tlhabi, comedian and satirist (as Coconut Kelz) (born 1988)
  • Yolandi Visser singer, rapper, actor (born 1984)
  • Minki van der Westhuizen, model and TV presenter (born 1984)
  • Eddie Zondi, radio personality and music composer (1967–2014)

Visual artists

Cartoonists

  • T.O. Honiball, cartoonist (1905–1990)
  • Jeremy Nell, cartoonist (born 1979)
  • Zapiro, cartoonist (born 1958)

Painters

thumb|Thomas Baines

  • Thomas Baines, colonial painter and explorer (1820–1875)
  • Tamlin Blake, mixed media artist (born 1974)
  • Leon Botha, painter and disc jockey (1985–2011)
  • Garth Erasmus, visual artist (born 1956)
  • Clinton Fein, artist, activist, photographer (born 1964)
  • C. G. Finch-Davies, painter and ornithologist (1875–1920)
  • Ronald Harrison, painter (1940–2011)
  • William Kentridge, painter (born 1955)
  • Maggie Laubser, painter (1886–1973)
  • Neville Lewis, artist (1895–1972)
  • Esther Mahlangu, painter (born 1935)
  • Ernest Mancoba, avant-garde artist (1904–2002)
  • Judith Mason, artist (1938–2016)
  • Conor Mccreedy, artist (born 1987)
  • Brett Murray, artist (born 1961)
  • Charles Ernest Peers, painter (born 1875)
  • George Pemba, visual artist (1912–2001)
  • Pierneef, artist (1886–1957)
  • Gerard Sekoto, artist and musician (1913–1993)
  • Cecil Skotnes, painter (1926–2009)
  • Irma Stern, painter (1894–1966)
  • Vladimir Tretchikoff, painter (1913–2006)

Photographers

  • Kevin Carter (1961–1994)
  • Ernest Cole (1940–1990)
  • Caroline Gibello (born 1974)
  • David Goldblatt, photographer (1930–2018)
  • Bob Gosani (1934–1972)
  • Alf Kumalo (1930–2012)
  • Peter Magubane (1932–2024)
  • Jürgen Schadeberg (1931–2020)
  • Austin Stevens (born 1951)

Sculptors

  • Anton van Wouw (1862–1945)

Performance artists

  • Tracey Rose (born 1974)

Architects

thumb|170px|Herbert Baker, architect

  • Herbert Baker (1862–1946)
  • Gerard Moerdijk (1890–1958)

Business

thumb|150px|[[Patrice Motsepe]]

  • Raymond Ackerman, businessman (1931–2023)
  • Barney Barnato, mining magnate (1852–1897)
  • Sir Bradley Fried, co-founded Grovepoint Capital, ex-CEO of Investec Bank, ex-chairman of the Court of the Bank of England (born 1965)
  • Roelof Botha, venture capitalist and company director (born 1973)
  • David Brink, businessman (born 1939)
  • John Fairbairn, founder of Mutual Life (1794–1864)
  • Vanessa Gounden, South Africa's richest businesswoman (born 1961)
  • Morris Kahn, Israeli billionaire, founder and chairman of Aurec Group (born 1930)
  • Sol Kerzner, South African accountant and business hotel magnate (1935–2020)
  • Basetsana Kumalo, former Miss South Africa, presenter and businesswoman (born 1974)
  • Gary Lubner (born 1958/1959), businessman and philanthropist
  • Richard Maponya, richest business man, former owner of Maponya Mall; founder and first president of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) (1920–2020)
  • Sammy Marks, businessman (1844–1920)
  • Brown Mogotsi, South African businessman
  • Nthato Motlana, prominent South African businessman, physician and anti-apartheid activist (1925–2008)
  • Bridgette Motsepe, businesswoman (born 1960)
  • Patrice Motsepe, businessman (born 1962)
  • Tshepo Motsepe, businesswoman and physician (born 1953)
  • Brown Mogotsi, South African businessman
  • Elon Musk, Internet and space launch entrepreneur (born 1971)
  • Nicky Newton-King, first female CEO of JSE from 2012 to 2019 (born 1966)
  • Ratanang Nke, company CEO, director; public prosecutor (born 1975)
  • Harry Oppenheimer, businessman (1908–2000)
  • William G. Pietersen, international businessman, CEO, author, professor (born 1937)
  • Charles Purdon, agricultural pioneer (1838–1926)
  • Mamphela Ramphele, political activist, academic, businesswoman and mother to the son of Steve Biko (born 1947)
  • Cyril Ramaphosa, politician and businessman (born 1952)
  • George Rex, pioneer entrepreneur of the Southern Cape (1765–1839)
  • Cecil Rhodes, businessman (1853–1902)
  • Anton Rupert, businessman and conservationist (1916–2006)
  • Johann Rupert, businessman, son of Anton Rupert (born 1950)
  • David O. Sacks, web entrepreneur (born 1972)
  • Elliot Salkow, founder of Ellies Holdings, (1953–2021)
  • Tokyo Sexwale, politician and businessman (born 1953)
  • Mark Shuttleworth, web entrepreneur, founder of Thawte and Ubuntu Linux, space tourist (born 1973)
  • Mlungisi Sisulu, South African business man (1948–2015)
  • Shaka Sisulu, South African social and political activist, entrepreneur and media personality

thumb|right|Dr Beric Croome addressing the "100 years of Taxation in South Africa" conference at [[University of Cape Town in 2014. Professor Roeleveld of UCT looks on.]]

  • Lourens Ackermann, constitutional court judge (born 1934)
  • Ismail Ayob, lawyer (born 1942)
  • Vernon Berrangé, human rights advocate (1900–1983)
  • George Bizos, lawyer (1927–2020)
  • Louis Botha, Boer War General, captured Winston Churchill during the Second Boer War, also one of the signatories of the Treaty of Vereeniging (1862–1919)
  • Annie Botha, philanthropist and civic leader, wife of Louis Botha
  • Arthur Chaskalson, judge (1931–2012)
  • Piet Cronjé, Boer general and commander-in-chief of ZAR's military forces (1840–1911)
  • Beric John Croome, chartered accountant (South Africa), Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, PhD, tax law author and pioneer in taxpayers' rights in South Africa (1960–2019)
  • Garnet de la Hunt, the Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of South Africa, Vice-Chairman of the Africa Scout Committee, and South African World Scout Committee (1933–2014)
  • Koos de la Rey, Boer general (1847–1914)
  • Pierre de Vos, constitutional law scholar (born 1963)
  • Christiaan Rudolph de Wet, Boer general and acting President of the Orange Free State (1854–1922)
  • Johannes Christiaan de Wet, legal academic (1912–1990)
  • Bram Fischer, advocate QC and political activist (1908–1975)
  • Johannes Geldenhuys, South African military commander (1935–2018)
  • Ian Gleeson, South African Army officer (1934–2021)
  • Richard Goldstone, ex-constitutional court judge (born 1938)
  • Harold Hanson, advocate QC (1904–1973)
  • John Hlophe, legal expect (1959)
  • Sydney Kentridge, former advocate of the Supreme Court and Acting Justice of the Constitutional Court (born 1922)
  • Mervyn E. King, former judge of the Supreme Court of South Africa and chairman of the King Committee on Corporate Governance (born 1937)
  • Joel Joffe, Baron Joffe, CBE lawyer and Labour peer in the House of Lords (1932–2017)
  • Pius Langa, former chief justice of constitutional court (1939–2013)
  • Magnus Malan, minister of defence and chief of the South African Defence Force (1930–2011)
  • Cecil Margo, judge (1915–2000)
  • Richard Mdluli, head of Police Crime Intelligence (born 1958)
  • Dunstan Mlambo, Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa (born 1960)
  • Mogoeng Mogoeng, Chief Justice of South Africa (born 1961)
  • Yvonne Mokgoro, former justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa (1950–2024)
  • Phetogo Molawa, first black female helicopter pilot in the South African Air Force and the South African National Defence Force
  • Siphiwe Mvuyane, police officer (died May 1993)
  • Sandile Ngcobo, former Chief Justice of South Africa (born 1953)
  • Bulelani Ngcuka, director of public prosecutions (born 1954)
  • Marmaduke Pattle, highest scoring Allied Air Ace of World War Two (1914–1941)
  • Riah Phiyega, national police commissioner
  • Vejaynand Ramlakan, South African military commander (1957–2020)
  • Barry Roux, defence advocate who has represented Oscar Pistorius, Dave King and Lothar Neethling (born 1955)
  • Albie Sachs, justice in constitutional court (born 1935)
  • Harry Heinz Schwarz, lawyer (1924–2010)
  • Jackie Selebi, national commissioner of police (1950–2015)
  • Thembile Skweyiya, South African Constitutional Court judge (1939–2015)
  • Percy Sonn, former head of the Directorate of Special Operations (1947–2007)
  • Sir Robert Clarkson Tredgold, Chief Justice of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1899–1977)
  • Percy Yutar, South Africa's first Jewish attorney-general and prosecutor of Nelson Mandela in the 1963 Rivonia Treason Trial (1911–2002)

Political

Activists and trade unionists

thumb|150px|[[Steve Biko]]

thumb|150px|[[Albertina Sisulu]]

  • Elizabeth 'Nanna' Abrahams, political activist and trade unionist (1925–2008)
  • Zackie Achmat, AIDS activist (born 1962)
  • Neil Aggett, political activist and trade unionist (1953–1982)
  • Neville Alexander, revolutionary and proponent of a multilingual South Africa (1936–2012)
  • Abdul Kader Asmal, South African politician (1934–2011)
  • Abu Baker Asvat, founding member of Azapo (1943–1989)
  • Zainab Asvat, South African anti-apartheid activist (1920–2013)
  • Frances Baard, trade unionist, organiser for the African National Congress Women's League and a Patron of the United Democratic Front (1909–1997)
  • Esther Barsel, South African political activist, long-standing member of the South African Communist Party and wife to Hymie Barsel (1924–2008)
  • Hymie Barsel, South African activist (1920–1987)
  • Jeremy Baskin, trade unionist (born 1956)
  • Jean Bernadt, anti-apartheid activist (1914–2011)
  • Lionel Bernstein, anti-apartheid activist and political prisoner (1920–2002)
  • Edward Bhengu, founder member of the PAC (1934–2010)
  • Nokukhanya Bhengu, anti-apartheid activist and teacher (1904–1996)
  • Sibusiso Bengu, politician (1934–2024)
  • Steve Biko, nonviolent political activist (1946–1977)
  • Flag Boshielo, South African anti-apartheid activist, trade unionist and communist (1920–1970)
  • Dennis Brutus, political activist, educator, journalist and poet (1924–2009)
  • Sonia Bunting, journalist, political and anti-apartheid activist (1922–2001)
  • Amina Cachalia, South African anti-Apartheid activist, women's rights activist, politician, and second wife of Yusuf Cachalia (1930–2013)
  • Ismail Ahmed Cachalia, South African political activist and a leader of Transvaal Indian Congress and the African National Congress (1908–2003)
  • Yusuf Cachalia, South African anti-apartheid activist (1915–1995)
  • Fort Calata, political activist and one of The Cradock Four (1956–1985)
  • James Calata, political activist and ANC secretary (1895–1983)
  • Collins Chabane, South African Minister of Public Service and Administration (1960–2015)
  • Laloo Chiba, South African politician and revolutionary (1930–2017)
  • Yusuf Dadoo, South African Communist and an anti-apartheid activist (1909–1983)
  • Nelson Diale, politician and anti-apartheid activist (1936–2015)
  • Eddie Daniels, anti-apartheid activist (1928–2017)
  • Nosipho Dastile, community and anti-Apartheid activist (1938–2009)
  • Sophia De Bruyn, political activist (born 1938)
  • Amina Desai, political prisoner (1920–2009)
  • Lilian Diedericks, activist (1925–2021)
  • Jessie Rose Innes, nurse and suffragist (1860–1943)
  • Bettie du Toit, trade unionist, anti-apartheid activist and first wife of Yusuf Cachalia (1910–2002)
  • Ebrahim Ebrahim, South African anti-apartheid activist (1937–2021)
  • Colin Eglin, South African politician (1925–2013)
  • Farid Esack, political activist and opposition to apartheid (born 1959)
  • Lucinda Evans, women's right activist (born 1972)
  • Tshenuwani Farisani, South African politician, theologian, and Lutheran minister (1947–2025)
  • Ruth First, South African anti-apartheid activist, scholar and wife to Joe Slovo (1925–1982)
  • Pregs Govender, human rights activist, former ANC MP, anti-apartheid campaigner (born 1960)
  • Irene Grootboom, housing rights activist (c. 1969–2008)
  • Denis Goldberg, political activist (1933–2020)
  • Arthur Goldreich, abstract painter and anti-apartheid (1929–2011)
  • John Gomomo, South African Unionist and activist (1945–2008)
  • Matthew Goniwe, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1946–1985)
  • Zainunnisa Gool, anti-apartheid political and civil rights leader (1897–1963)
  • Joe Nzingo Gqabi, political activist (1929–1981)
  • Archibald Gumede, anti-apartheid activist, lawyer and politician (1914–1998)
  • Elizabeth Komikie Gumede, anti-apartheid activist and member of the Azanian People's Liberation Army (1921– 2016)
  • Josiah Tshangana Gumede, political activist (1867–1946)
  • Harry Gwala, revolutionary leader in the African National Congress and South African Communist Party (1920–1995)
  • Nkululeko Gwala, prominent member of the shackdwellers' social movement Abahlali baseMjondolo (died 2013)
  • Alcott Skei Gwentshe, shopkeeper and political activist (died 1966)
  • Bertha Gxowa, anti-apartheid, women's rights activist and trade unionist (1934–2010)
  • Chris Hani, political activist (1942–1993)
  • Harold Hanson, politician and advocate (1904–1973)
  • Frederick John Harris, South African schoolteacher and anti-apartheid (1937–1965)
  • Abdullah Haron, South African Muslim cleric and anti-apartheid activist (1924–1969)
  • Ruth Hayman, anti-apartheid campaigner (1913–1981)
  • Alexander Hepple, trade unionist, politician, anti-apartheid activist and author and the last leader of the original South African Labour Party (1904–1983)
  • Bob Hepple, political activist, leader in the fields of labour law, equality and human rights (1934–2015)
  • Bavelile Gloria Hlongwa, South African chemical engineer and politician (1981–2019)
  • Bantu Holomisa, political activist (born 1955)
  • Timothy Peter Jenkin, anti-apartheid activist, political prisoner and writer (born 1948)
  • Helen Joseph, anti-apartheid activist (1905–1992)
  • Mthuli ka Shezi, South African playwright, political activist (1947–1972)
  • James Kantor, politician, lawyer and writer (1927–1974)
  • Ahmed Kathrada, political activist (1929–2017)
  • Philip Kgosana, political activist (1936–2017)
  • Winnie Kgware, anti-Apartheid activist (1917–1998)
  • Alice Kinloch (born 1863), human rights activist and writer
  • Wolfie Kodesh, South African Communist party activist (1918–2002)
  • Moses Kotane, anti-apartheid activist (1907–1978)
  • Ashley Kriel, South African activist (1966–1987)
  • Duma Kumalo, South African human rights activist and one of the Sharpeville Six (died 2006)
  • Dumisani Kumalo, South African politician (1947–2019)
  • Ellen Kuzwayo, political activist (1914–2006)
  • Lennox Lagu, political activist (1938–2011)
  • Sheila Lapinsky (born 1944), anti-apartheid and LGBTQ+ activist
  • Stephen Bernard Lee, anti-apartheid and political prisoner (born 1951)
  • Anton Lembede, political activist (1914–1947)
  • Moses Mabhida, anti-apartheid activist (1923–1986)
  • Phakamile Mabija, anti-apartheid activist (died 1977)
  • Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, political activist and former 2nd wife to Nelson Mandela (1936–2018)
  • Sindiso Magaqa, politician (1981/1982–2017)
  • Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, South African politician (1962–2021)
  • Zacharias Richard Mahabane, political activist (1881–1971)
  • Mac Maharaj, political activist (born 1935)
  • Solomon Mahlangu, Umkhonto we Sizwe operative (1956–1979)
  • Thoko Remigia Makhanya, anti-apartheid activist, environmental activist, women's health specialist and poet
  • Vusumzi Make, political activist (1931–2006)
  • Sefako Makgatho, political activist (1861–1951)
  • Caesarina Kona Makhoere, anti-apartheid activist and prison writer (born 1955)
  • Mbuyisa Makhubo, anti-apartheid activist (born 1957/1958)
  • Thabo Makunyane, politician and former anti-apartheid activist (1953–2020)
  • Clarence Makwetu, political activist (1928–2016)
  • Adolph Malan, fighter pilot and civil rights activist (1910–1963)
  • Zollie Malindi, political activist (1924–2008)
  • Nelson Mandela, political activist and first President of South Africa (1918–2013)
  • Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, politician and second wife of Nelson Mandela (1936–2018)
  • Mosibudi Mangena, South Africa politician (born 1947)
  • Isaac Lesiba Maphotho, political activist (1931–2019)
  • J. B. Marks, politician activist (1903–1972)
  • Jafta Masemola, political activist (1929–1990)
  • Emma Mashinini, trade unionist and political leader (1929–2017)
  • Tsietsi Mashinini, South African anti-Apartheid activist and student leader of the Soweto uprising on 16 June 1976 (1957–1990)
  • Andrew Masondo, South African mathematician, political prisoner, a former general in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) (1936–2008)
  • Joseph Mathunjwa, trade union leader and the head of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) (born 1965)
  • Florence Matomela, South African anti-pass law activist (1910–1969)
  • Joe Matthews, political activist and son of ZK Matthews (1929–2010)
  • Z. K. Matthews, political activist (1901–1968)
  • Seth Mazibuko, youngest member of the South African Students' Organisation that planned and led the Soweto uprising
  • Epainette Mbeki, political activist, mother of Thabo Mbeki and wife to Govan Mbeki (1916–2014)
  • Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of Thabo Mbeki (1910–2001)
  • Jama Mbeki, political activist, law student and the last born son of Govan Mbeki (1948–1982)
  • Linda Mbeki, political activist (1941–2003)
  • Tryphina Mboxela Jokweni, female operative of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), and political activist
  • Robert McBride, anti-apartheid assassin and later police chief (born 1963)
  • A. P. Mda, co-founder of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (1916–1993)
  • Fatima Meer, scientist and political activist (1928–2010)
  • Raymond Mhlaba, political activist and the former Premier of the Eastern Cape (1920–2005)
  • Sicelo Mhlauli, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1952–1985)
  • Jean Middleton, anti-apartheid activist and wife to Harold Strachan (1928–2010)
  • Clarence Mini, anti-apartheid activist (1951–2020)
  • Vuyisile Mini, unionist and Umkhonto we Sizwe activist (1920–1964)
  • Nomhlangano Beauty Mkhize, political activist, shop steward and wife to Saul Mkhize (1946–1977)
  • Sparrow Mkhonto, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1951–1985)
  • Wilton Mkwayi, political activist (1923–2004)
  • Johnson Mlambo, political activist (1940–2021)
  • Andrew Mlangeni, political activist (1925–2020)
  • Thamsanga Mnyele, anti-apartheid (1948–1985)
  • Billy Modise, political activist (1930–2018)
  • Joe Modise, political activist (1929–2001)
  • Thabo Edwin Mofutsanyana, political activist (1899–1995)
  • Ephraim Mogale, politician and former anti-apartheid activist (1959–2003)
  • Mapetla Mohapi, political activist (1947–1976)
  • Yunus Mohamed, (sometimes Mahomed) South African lawyer and activist (1950–2008)
  • Peter Mokaba, political activist (1959–2002)
  • Priscilla Mokaba, political activist and mother of Peter Mokaba (died 2013)
  • Ruth Mompati, political activist (1925–2015)
  • Moosa Moolla, political activist (1934–2023)
  • Strini Moodley, founding member of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa (1946–2006)
  • Rahima Moosa, anti-apartheid activist (1922–1993)
  • James Moroka, political activist (1891–1985)
  • Zephania Mothopeng, political activist (1913–1990)
  • Nthato Motlana, physician and anti-apartheid activist (1925–2008)
  • Caroline Motsoaledi, political activist and wife to Elias Motsoaledi (died c.2015)
  • Elias Motsoaledi, political activist (1924–1994)
  • James Mpanza, political activist (1889–1970)
  • Oscar Mpetha, political activist and unionist (1909–1994)
  • Eric Mtshali, politician, trade unionist, and anti-apartheid activist (1933–2018)
  • Griffiths Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1935–1981)
  • Victoria Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1942–1985)
  • George Naicker, anti-apartheid activist (1919–1998)
  • Marimuthu Pragalathan Naicker, anti-apartheid activist, journalist and trade unionist (1920–1977)
  • Monty Naicker, anti-apartheid activist and medical doctor (1910–1978)
  • Ama Naidoo, anti-apartheid activist (1908–1993)
  • Naransamy Roy Naidoo, political (1901–1953)
  • Billy Nair, political activist (1929–2008)
  • Elleck Nchabeleng, politician (born 1958)
  • Peter Nchabeleng, trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist (1928–1986)
  • Rita Ndzanga, anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist (1933–2022)
  • Mary Ngalo, South African anti-apartheid activist and was also active in fighting for women's rights (died 1973)
  • Lilian Ngoyi, anti-apartheid activist (1911–1980)
  • Looksmart Ngudle, political activist (1922–1963)
  • Joe Nhlanhla, African National Congress national executive and the former South African Minister of Justice (Intelligence Affairs) (1936–2008)
  • John Nkadimeng, politician and anti-apartheid activist (1927–2020)
  • Vernon Nkadimeng, political activist (1958–1985)
  • Nkwenkwe Nkomo, SASO nine member
  • William Frederick Nkomo, medical doctor, community leader, political activist and teacher (1915–1972)
  • Duma Nokwe, political activist (1927–1978)
  • Jabulile Nyawose, trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist (1948–1982)
  • Alfred Nzo, political activist (1925–2000)
  • Albert Nzula, political activist (1905–1934)
  • Abdullah Mohamed Omar, anti-Apartheid activist and lawyer (1934–2004)
  • Roy Padayachie, politician and Minister of Public Service and Administration of the Republic of South Africa (1950–2012)
  • Aziz Pahad, political activist (1940–2023)
  • Essop Pahad, political activist (1939–2023)
  • Sabelo Phama, revolutionary (1949–1994)
  • Motsoko Pheko, politician, lawyer, author, historian, theologian and academic (1930–2024)
  • Joyce Piliso-Seroke, South-African educator, activist, feminist and community organizer (born 1933)
  • Sol Plaatje, political activist (1876–1932)
  • John Nyathi Pokela, political activist (1922/1923–1985)
  • Maggie Resha, political activist and wife of Robert Resha (1923–2003)
  • Robert Resha, political activist (1920–1978)
  • Fabian Ribeiro, doctor and anti-apartheid activist (1933–1986)
  • Florence Ribeiro, anti-apartheid activist and wife of Fabian Ribeiro (1933–1986)
  • Walter Rubusana, first deputy president of the ANC (1856–1936)
  • Albie Sachs, political activist (born 1935)
  • Harry Schwarz, lawyer, statesman and long-time political opposition leader against apartheid in South Africa (1924–2010)
  • Jackie Sedibe, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Major General and politician activist and wife to Joe Modise (born 1945)
  • Molefi Sefularo, Deputy Minister of Health (1957–2010)
  • James Seipei, teenage United Democratic Front (UDF) activist (1974–1989)
  • Nimrod Sejake, labour leader in South Africa, leading member of the Congress of South African Trade Unions and secretary of the Iron Steel Workers (1920–2004)
  • Dulcie September, anti-apartheid political activist (1935–1988)
  • Kate Serokolo, anti-apartheid activist
  • Reggie September, activist (1923–2013)
  • Nomvuzo Shabalala, politician (1960–2020)
  • Gertrude Shope, South African trade unionist, politician and wife of Mark Shpoe (1925–2025)
  • Mark Shope, South African trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist (1919–1998)
  • Gert Sibande, political activist (1907–1987)
  • Archie Sibeko, political activist and trade unionist (1928–2018)
  • David Sibeko, South Africa politician and journalist (1938–1979)
  • Letitia Sibeko, political activist and wife to Archie Sibeko (1930–??)
  • Joyce Nomafa Sikakane, South African journalist and activist (born 1943)
  • Richard Sikakane, South African politician and stalwart of the African National Congress (ANC) (1936–2021)
  • Annie Silinga, South African anti-pass laws and anti-apartheid political activist (1910–1984)
  • Jack Simons, political activist (1907–1995)
  • Rachel Simons, communist and trade unionist and wife to Jack Simons (1914–2004)
  • Albertina Sisulu, political activist and wife of Walter Sisulu (1918–2011)
  • Walter Sisulu, political activist (1912–2003)
  • David Sipunzi, South African trade unionis (1960–2020)
  • Zola Skweyiya, political activist (1942–2018)
  • Joe Slovo, South African politician, and an opponent of the apartheid system (1926–1995)
  • Robert Sobukwe, political activist and founder of PAC (1924–1978)
  • Veronica Sobukwe, political activist and wife to Robert Sobukwe (1927–2018)
  • Makhenkesi Stofile, political activist (1944–2016)
  • Harold Strachan, anti-apartheid activist (1925–2020)
  • Katie H. R. Stuart, evangelist and reformer
  • Helen Suzman, South African anti-apartheid activist and politician (1917–2009)
  • Isaac Bangani Tabata, political activist (1909–1990)
  • Dora Tamana, South African anti-apartheid activist (1901–1983)
  • Adelaide Tambo, political activist and wife to Oliver Tambo (1929–2007)
  • Oliver Tambo, political activist (1917–1993)
  • Selope Thema, South African political activist and leader (1886–1955)
  • Mary Thipe, anti-apartheid and human rights activist (1917–2002)
  • Mohammed Tikly, South African educator and struggle veteran (1939–2020)
  • Ahmed Timol, anti-apartheid activist, political leader and activist in the underground South African Communist Party (SACP) (1941–1971)
  • Abram Onkgopotse Tiro, student political activist (1945–1974)
  • Cecilia Tshabalala, women's rights activist and clubwoman
  • Richard Turner, South African academic and anti-apartheid activist (1941–1978)
  • Steve Tshwete, political activist (1938–2002)
  • Ben Turok, anti-apartheid activist and Economics Professor (1927–2019)
  • Moses Twebe, politician (1916–2013)
  • Zwelinzima Vavi, former general secretary of COSATU, and Trade union leader SAFTU (born 1962)
  • Randolph Vigne, anti-apartheid activist (1928–2016)
  • David Webster, South African academic and anti-apartheid activist (1944–1989)
  • Sheila Weinberg, anti-apartheid activist (1945–2004)
  • Myrtle Witbooi (1947–2023), South African labour activist
  • AnnMarie Wolpe, sociologist, feminist, anti-apartheid activist and wife to Harold Wolpe (1930–2018)
  • Harold Wolpe, lawyer, sociologist, political economist and anti-apartheid activist (1926–1996)
  • Khoisan X, political activist (1955–2010)
  • Alfred Xuma, political activist and ANC president (1893–1962)
  • Tony Yengeni, anti-apartheid activist (born 1954)
  • Massabalala Yengwa, anti-apartheid activist, lawyer and Natal Provincial Secretary of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL)
  • Andrew Zondo, South African Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) operative (1966/67–1986)

Apartheid operatives

thumb|150px|[[Eugène Terre'Blanche]]

  • Wouter Basson, apartheid scientist (born 1950)
  • Dirk Coetzee, apartheid covert operative (1945–2013)
  • Eugene de Kock, apartheid assassin (born 1949)
  • Clive Derby-Lewis, assassin and former parliamentarian (1936–2016)
  • Jimmy Kruger, apartheid Minister of Justice and the Police (1917–1987)
  • Lothar Neethling, apartheid forensic scientist (1935–2005)
  • Barend Strydom, convicted murderer and white supremacist activist (born 1965)
  • Eugène Terre'Blanche, white supremacist activist (1941–2010)
  • Adriaan Vlok, apartheid Minister of Law and Order (born 1937)
  • Craig Williamson, apartheid spy (born 1949)

Colonial and Union Governors

thumb|150px|[[Sir George Grey]]

thumb|150px|[[Jan van Riebeeck]]

  • George Grey, Cape governor (1812–1898)
  • Jan Willem Janssens, Cape Governor (1762–1838)
  • Benjamin d'Urban, Cape Governor (1834–1837)
  • Benjamin Pine, Natal governor (1809–1891)
  • Harry Smith, Cape governor 1847–1852 (1787–1860)
  • Andries Stockenström, governor of British Kaffraria (1792–1864)
  • Simon van der Stel, first Cape governor (1639–1712)
  • Willem Adriaan van der Stel, second Cape governor (1664–1723)
  • Jan van Riebeeck, founder of Cape settlement (1619–1677)
  • Nicolaas Jacobus de Wet, Chief Justice of South Africa and acting Governor-General (1873–1960)

Leaders and politicians

thumb|150px|[[Patricia de Lille]]

thumb|150px|[[Abba Eban]]

thumb|150px|[[Winnie Mandela]]

  • Ken Andrew, politician (born 1943)
  • Kader Asmal, activist, politician and professor of human rights (1934–2011)
  • Sibusiso Bengu, politician (1934–2024)
  • Steve Biko, nonviolent political activist (1946–1977)
  • Thozamile Botha, politician (born 1948)
  • Cheryl Carolus, politician (born 1958)
  • Yusuf Dadoo, doctor and politician (1909–1983)
  • Patricia de Lille, politician (born 1951)
  • Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, politician (born 1949)
  • John Langalibalele Dube, founder and first president of ANC (1871–1946)
  • Abba Eban, Israeli diplomat and politician, and President of the Weizmann Institute of Science (1915–2002)
  • De Villiers Graaff, United Party opposition leader (1913–1999)
  • Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, journalist and politician (1845–1909)
  • Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, academic and politician (1894–1948)
  • Danny Jordaan, politician and soccer administrator (born 1951)
  • Tony Leon, DA opposition leader (born 1956)
  • Albert Luthuli, President of the African National Congress, 1952–67 (1898–1967)
  • Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, politician and second wife of Nelson Mandela (1936–2018)
  • Trevor Manuel, minister of finance (born 1956)
  • Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Parliamentary Leader for the opposition Democratic Alliance (born 1980)
  • Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of Thabo Mbeki (1910–2001)
  • Roelf Meyer, politician and businessman (born 1947)
  • Raymond Mhlaba, political activist and the former Premier of the Eastern Cape (1920–2005)
  • Vuyisile Mini, unionist and Umkhonto we Sizwe activist (1920–1964)
  • Johnson Mlambo, political activist (1940–2021)
  • Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, deputy president (born 1955)
  • Pieter Mulder, leader of the Freedom Front Plus and former deputy minister of agriculture (born 1951)
  • Gagathura (Monty) Mohambry Naicker, medical doctor and politician (1910–1978)
  • Bulelani Ngcuka, politician (born 1954)
  • Dullah Omar, politician (1934–2004)
  • Andries Pretorius, Boer leader and commandant-general (1799–1853)
  • Deneys Reitz, boer commando, deputy Prime Minister and High Commissioner to London (1882–1944)
  • Pixley ka Isaka Seme, ANC founder member (1881–1951)
  • Mbhazima Shilowa, trade unionist and premier (born 1958)
  • Walter Sisulu, political activist (1912–2003)
  • Ruth First-Slovo, political activist and wife to Joe Slovo (1924–1982)
  • Joe Slovo, politician (1926–1995)
  • Theophilus Lyndall Schreiner, educator, legislator, and reformer
  • Harry Schwarz, lawyer, politician, ambassador to United States and anti-apartheid leader (1924–2010)
  • Robert Sobukwe, political activist and founder of PAC (1924–1978)
  • Helen Suzman, politician (1917–2009)
  • Oliver Tambo, political activist (1917–1993)
  • Catherine Taylor, politician (1914–1992)
  • Frederik van Zyl Slabbert, PFP opposition leader (1940–2010)
  • Helen Zille, former DA opposition leader, former premier of the Western Cape (born 1951)
  • Jacob Zuma, former president (born 1942)

Prime Ministers and presidents

thumb|150px|[[Frederik de Klerk and Nelson Mandela]]

thumb|150px|[[Thabo Mbeki]]

  • Jacobus Boshoff, 2nd President of the Orange Free State (1808–1881)
  • Louis Botha, Boer commander-in-chief and 1st Prime Minister of South Africa (1862–1919)
  • Pieter Willem Botha, 9th and last Prime Minister and 8th State President of South Africa (1916–2006)
  • Johannes Henricus Brand, 4th President of the Orange Free State (1823–1888)
  • Thomas François Burgers, 4th President of South African Republic (1871–1877)
  • Schalk Willem Burger, 6th and last President of South African Republic (1852–1918)
  • Frederik Willem de Klerk, 9th and last State President of South Africa (1990–1994) and joint Nobel Peace Prize winner (1936–2021)
  • Nicolaas Johannes Diederichs, 4th State President of South Africa (1903–1978)
  • Jacobus Johannes Fouché, 3rd State President of South Africa (1898–1980)
  • James Barry Munnik Hertzog, Boer general and 3rd Prime Minister of South Africa (1866–1942)
  • Josias Hoffman, 1st President of the Orange Free State (1807–1879)
  • Petrus Jacobus Joubert, Boer general and member of the Troika in the South African Republic (1834–1900)
  • Paul Kruger, member of the Troika, 5th President of South African Republic (1825–1904)
  • Daniel François Malan, 5th Prime Minister of South Africa and is responsible for laying the groundwork for Apartheid (1874–1959)
  • Nelson Mandela, 1st democratically elected President of South Africa and joint Nobel Peace Prize winner (1918–2013)
  • Thabo Mbeki, 2nd post-apartheid President of South Africa (born 1942)
  • John X. Merriman, last prime minister of the Cape Colony (1841–1926)
  • Kgalema Motlanthe, 3rd post-apartheid President of South Africa (born 1949)
  • Tom Naudé, 2nd State President of South Africa (1889–1969)
  • Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, 3rd President of the Orange Free State, 1st and 3rd President of the ZAR (1819–1901)
  • Marthinus Prinsloo, 1st President of the Republic of Graaff-Reinet (1751–1825)
  • Cyril Ramaphosa, 5th post-apartheid President of South Africa (born 1952)
  • Francis William Reitz, 5th President of the Orange Free State (1844–1934)
  • Jan Smuts, Boer general, British field marshal, 2nd and 4th Prime Minister of South Africa (1870–1950)
  • Johannes Strijdom, 6th Prime Minister of South Africa (1893–1958)
  • Hermanus Steyn, 1st and last President of the Republic of Swellendam (1743–1804)
  • Martinus Theunis Steyn, 6th and last President of the Orange Free State (1857–1916)
  • Charles Robberts Swart, last Governor-General of the Union of South Africa and 1st State President of the RSA (1894–1982)
  • Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd, 7th Prime Minister of South Africa and primary architect of Apartheid (1901–1966)
  • Marais Viljoen, 5th and 7th State President of South Africa (1915–2007)
  • Balthazar Johannes Vorster, 8th Prime Minister and 6th State President of South Africa (1915–1983)
  • Jacob Zuma, 4th post-apartheid President of South Africa (born 1942)

Provincial Premiers

thumb|150px|[[Mosiuoa Lekota]]

thumb|150px|[[Tokyo Sexwale]]

  • Nosimo Balindlela, 3rd Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1949)
  • Lynne Brown, (interim) 6th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1961)
  • Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, 2nd Premier of the Free State (1937–2009)
  • Grizelda Cjiekella, (acting) Premier of the Northern Cape (1970–2012)
  • Manne Dipico, 1st Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1959)
  • Winkie Direko, 3rd Premier of the Free State (1929–2012)
  • Hazel Jenkins, 3rd Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1960)
  • Noxolo Kiviet, 5th Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1963)
  • Hernus Kriel, 1st Premier of the Western Cape (1941–2015)
  • Mosiuoa Lekota, 1st Premier of the Free State (1948–2026)
  • Sylvia Lucas, 4th Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1964)
  • David Mabuza, 4th Premier of Mpumalanga (1960–2025)
  • Ace Magashule, 5th Premier of the Free State (born 1959)
  • Supra Mahumapelo, 5th Premier of North West (born 1968)
  • David Makhura, 6th Premier of Gauteng (born 1968)
  • Thabang Makwetla, 3rd Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1957)
  • Peter Marais, 3rd Premier of the Western Cape (born 1948)
  • Beatrice Marshoff, 4th Premier of the Free State (born 1957)
  • Paul Mashatile, 4th Premier of Gauteng (born 1961)
  • Stanley Mathabatha, 4th Premier of Limpopo (born 1957)
  • Cassel Mathale, 3rd Premier of Limpopo (born 1961)
  • Senzo Mchunu, 6th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1958)
  • Willies Mchunu, 7th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1948)
  • Frank Mdlalose, 1st Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (1931–2021)
  • Raymond Mhlaba, 1st Premier of the Eastern Cape (1920–2005)
  • Zweli Mkhize, 5th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1956)
  • Thandi Modise, 4th Premier of North West (born 1959)
  • Maureen Modiselle, 3rd Premier of North West (born 1941)
  • Job Mokgoro, 6th Premier of North West (born 1948)
  • Nomvula Mokonyane, 5th Premier of Gauteng (born 1963)
  • Popo Molefe, 1st Premier of North West (born 1952)
  • Edna Molewa, 2nd Premier of North West (1957–2018)
  • Sello Moloto, 2nd Premier of Limpopo (born 1964)
  • Gerald Morkel, 2nd Premier of the Western Cape (1941–2018)
  • Mathole Motshekga, 2nd Premier of Gauteng (born 1949)
  • Lionel Mtshali, 3rd Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (1935–2015)
  • Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, 5th Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1972/73)
  • S'bu Ndebele, 4th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1948)
  • Ben Ngubane, 2nd Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (1941–2021)
  • Sisi Ntombela, 6th Premier of the Free State (born 1956/1957)
  • Dipuo Peters, 2nd Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1960)
  • Mathews Phosa, 1st Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1952)
  • Ngoako Ramathlodi, 1st Premier of Limpopo (born 1955)
  • Leonard Ramatlakane, (acting) Premier of the Western Cape (born 1953)
  • Ebrahim Rasool, 5th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1962)
  • Zamani Saul, 5th Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1972)
  • Tokyo Sexwale, 1st Premier of Gauteng (born 1953)
  • Mbhazima Shilowa, 3rd Premier of Gauteng (born 1958)
  • Mbulelo Sogoni, 4th Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1966)
  • Makhenkesi Stofile, 2nd Premier of the Eastern Cape (1944–2016)
  • Marthinus van Schalkwyk, 4th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1959)
  • Alan Winde, 8th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1965)
  • Sihle Zikalala, 8th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1973)
  • Helen Zille, 7th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1951)

Homelands Leaders

thumb|150px|[[Lennox Sebe]]

thumb|150px|[[Mangosuthu Buthelezi]]

thumb|150px|[[Bantubonke Holomisa]]

  • Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of KwaZulu (1928–2023)
  • Prince Johannes Mkolishi Dlamini, chief executive officer of KaNgwane (1928–1988)
  • Bongani Blessing Finca, Administrator (Transitional Executive Council) of Ciskei (born 1953)
  • Oupa Gqozo, President of Ciskei (born 1952)
  • Gen. Bantu Holomisa, Prime Minister of Transkei (born 1955)
  • Chief Thandathu Jongilizwe Mabandla, chief executive officer; Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of Ciskei (1926–2021)
  • Dr. Enos John Mabuza, Chief Minister of KaNgwane (1939–1997)
  • Prince James Mahlangu, Chief Minister of KwaNdebele (1953–2005)
  • Rocky Malebane-Metsing, President of Bophuthatswana (1949–2016)
  • Kgosi Lucas Mangope, chief executive officer; Chief Executive Councillor; Chief Minister and President of Bophuthatswana (1923–2018)
  • Chief George Matanzima, Prime Minister of Transkei (1918–2000)
  • King Kaiser Matanzima, Chief Minister; Prime Minister and President of Transkei (1915–2003)
  • Edward Mhinga, acting Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1927–2017)
  • Job Mokgoro, Administrator (Transitional Executive Council) of Bophuthatswana (born 1948)
  • Kenneth Mopeli, Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of Qwaqwa (1930–2014)
  • Chief Patrick Mphephu, chief executive officer; Chief Executive Councillor; Chief Minister and the President of Venda (1924–1988)
  • King Tutor Vulindlela Ndamase, President of Transkei (1921–1997)
  • Hudson William Edison Ntsanwisi, Chief of Minister of Gazankulu (1920–1993)
  • Samuel Dickenson Nxumalo, Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1926–2017)
  • Dr. Cedric Phatudi, Chief Minister of Lebowa (1912–1987)
  • Nelson Ramodike, Chief Minister of Lebowa (died 2012)
  • Gabriel Ramushwana, Head of State of Venda (1941–2015)
  • Frank Ravele, Head of State of Venda (1926–1999)
  • Lt. Gen. Charles Sebe, acting Chief Minister of Ciskei (died c.1991)
  • Chief Lennox Sebe, Chief Minister and President of Ciskei (1926–1994)
  • King Botha Sigcau, President of Transkei and father of Stella Sigcau (1913–1978)
  • Stella Sigcau, Prime of Transkei (1937–2006)
  • Tjaart van der Walt, Administrator Transitional Executive Council of Bophuthatswana (1934–2019)
  • Mangisi Zitha, the last Chief Minister of KaNgwane

Administrators of former provinces

thumb|150px|[[Nicolaas Frederic de Waal]]

thumb|150px|[[Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr (1894–1948)|Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr]]

  • Cornelius Botha, 12th and last Administrator of the Natal Province (1932–2014)
  • Stoffel Botha, 10th Administrator of the Natal Province (1929–1998)
  • Radclyffe Cadman, 11th Administrator of the Natal Province (1924–2011)
  • Dr Willem Adriaan Cruywagen, 10th Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1921–2013)
  • Nicolaas Frederic de Waal, 1st Administrator of the Cape Province (1853–1932)
  • Jim Fouché, 8th Administrator of the Orange Free State Province (1898–1980)
  • Theo Gerdener, 8th Administrator of the Natal Province (1916–2013)
  • Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, 3rd Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1894–1948)
  • Gene Louw, 13th Administrator of the Cape Province (1931–2015)
  • Nico Malan, 10th Administrator of the Cape Province
  • William Nico, 7th Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1887–1967)
  • Frans Hendrik Odendaal, 8th Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1898–1966)
  • Denis Gem Shepstone, 6th Administrator of the Natal Province (1888–1966)
  • Alfred Ernest Trollip, 7th Administrator of the Natal Province (1895–1972)
  • Johannes Van Rensburg, 6th Administrator of the Orange Free State Province (1898–1966)
  • Gideon Brand van Zyl, 5th Administrator of the Cape Province (1873–1956)
  • Sir Cornelius Hermanus Wessels, 2nd Administrator of the Orange Free State Province (1851–1924)

Royalty

Kings, queens, princes and princesses

thumb|150px|[[Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo]]

thumb|150px|[[Faku kaNgqungqushe]]

thumb|150px|[[Hintsa ka Khawuta]]

thumb|150px|[[Langalibalele]]

thumb|150px|[[Makobo Modjadji]]

thumb|150px|[[Mzilikazi]]

thumb|150px|[[Nyabêla]]

thumb|150px|[[Sekhukhune]]

  • Cetshwayo kaMpande, 4th Zulu king (1826–1884)
  • Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon, 7th Zulu king (1924–1945)
  • Goodwill Zwelethini, 8th king of the Zulu nation (1948–2021)
  • Mantifombi Dlamini, wife of Goodwill Zweilithini and former Queen of Zulu nation (1956–2021)
  • Mangosuthu Buthelezi, politician and a Zulu prince (1928–2023)
  • Dingane kaSenzangakhona, 2nd Zulu king and half-brother of Shaka (1795–1840)
  • Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, 5th Zulu king, not officially recognized (1868–1913)
  • Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, Aa! Zwelibanzi! King of the Thembu (born 1964)
  • Sabata Dalindyebo, Aa! Jonguhlanga! King of the Thembu (1928–1986)
  • Faku kaNgqungqushe, King of the Mpondo (1780–1867)
  • Hintsa ka Khawuta, Aa! Zanzolo! King of Xhosa Nation (1780–1835)
  • Khawuta kaGcaleka, Aa! Khala! King of the Xhosa Nation (1761–1804)
  • Langalibalele, Hlubi king (1814–1889)
  • Ingwenyama Mayitjha II, 7th Ndebele, king of Ndzundza-Mabhoko (1947–2005)
  • Magogo kaDinuzulu, Zulu princess and mother of Mangosuthu Buthelezi (1900–1984)
  • Mampuru II, king of the Marota (or Bapedi) (died c.1883)
  • Lwandile Matanzima, Aa! Zwelenkosi! King of the Western Thembu (1970/71–2010)
  • Luzuko Matiwane, Aa! Zwelozuko! King of AmaMpondomise (born 1978)
  • Maselekwane Modjadji, Balobedu's 1st Rain Queen (died 1854)
  • Masalanabo Modjadji, Balobedu's 2nd Rain Queen (died 1894)
  • Khetoane Modjadji, Balobedu's 3rd Rain Queen (1869–1959)
  • Makoma Modjadji, Balobedu's 4th Rain Queen (1905–1980)
  • Mokope Modjadji, Balobedu's 5th Rain Queen (1936–2001)
  • Makobo Modjadji, Balobedu's 6th Rain Queen (1978–2005)
  • Mkabayi kaJama, Zulu princess and sister of Senzangakhona (1750–1843)
  • Mpande, 3rd Zulu king and half-brother of Shaka (1798–1872)
  • Mthimkhulu II, King of the AmaHlubi (1778–1818)
  • Mzilikazi, king of the Matabele (1790–1868)
  • Nandi, Mhlongo princess and mother of Shaka (1760–1827)
  • Tutor Vulindlela Ndamase, Nyangelizwe! King of the Western Pondo (1921–1997)
  • Ngqungqushe kaNyawuza, Mpondo King (1715/1760–1810/1815)
  • Ngubengcuka, Aa! Vusani! prominent king of the abaThembu (died 1830)
  • Nyabêla, King of the Ndzundza-Ndebele (1825/30 - 1902)
  • Emma Sandile, Aa! Emma! Xhosa Princess and the daughter of King Sandile kaNgqika (1842–1892)
  • Sandile kaNgqika, Aa! Mgolombane! Xhosa king of the Right Hand House of the Xhosa Nation (1820–1878)
  • Zanesizwe Sandile, Aa! Zanesizwe! King of the Right Hand House of the Xhosa Nation (1956–2011)
  • Noloyiso Sandile, Aa! Noloyiso! Zulu Princess and Rharhabe Regent Queen (1963–2020)
  • Sarili kaHintsa, Aa! Krili! King Of The Xhosa Nation (c. 1810–1892)
  • Botha Sigcau, Jongilizwe! King of the Eastern Pondo (1913–1978)
  • Xolilizwe Sigcawu, Aa! Xolilizwe! Xhosa King (1926–2005)
  • Zwelonke Sigcawu, Aa! Zwelonke! Xhosa king (1968–2019)
  • Sekhukhune, king of the Marota (or Bapedi) (1814–1882)
  • Sekhukhune II, King of the Bapedi
  • Sekwati, King of the Maroteng, more commonly known as the Bapedi people (1824–1861)
  • Senzangakhona kaJama, Zulu king and father of Shaka (1762–1816)
  • Shaka, founder of the Zulu nation (1787–1828)
  • Solomon kaDinuzulu, 6th Zulu king, not officially recognized (1891–1933)
  • Victor Thulare III, king of the Pedi (1980–2021)
  • uZibhebhu kaMaphitha, Zulu prince and chief (1841–1904)

Tribal leaders and prophets

See also: Gcaleka rulers, <br>Rharhabe rulers<br>Ndwandwe people,<br> Xhosa Chiefs

right|thumb|150px| [[Bhambatha (on the right) with an attendant]]

thumb|150px|[[Adam Kok III]]

thumb|150px|[[Maqoma|Chief Maqoma]]

  • Bambatha kaMancinza, Zulu chief of the amaZondi clan and Bambatha Rebellion (1865–1906)
  • Chief Albert Luthuli, Zulu chief and political activist (1898–1967)
  • Adam Kok III, Griqua leader (1811–1875)
  • David Stuurman, Khoi chief and political activist (1773–1830)
  • Thandatha Jongilizwe Mabandla, Aa! Jongilizwe! amaBhele chief, Tyume Valley, Alice, Ciskei (1926–2021)
  • Makhanda, amaXhosa prophet (died 1819)
  • Maqoma, Aa! Jongumsobomvu! amaRharhabe chief (1798–1873)
  • Skelewu Mbeki, the Chief of AmaMfengu (1828 – 1918)
  • Chief Mqalo, Amakhuze chief, Ciskei region (1916–2008)
  • Moshoeshoe I, Basotho chief (c. 1786–1870)
  • Nongqawuse, millennialist amaXhosa prophetess (c. 1840–1898)
  • Ntsikana, amaXhosa prophet (1780–1821)
  • Lennox Sebe, Chief of AmaNtinde (1926–1994)
  • Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau, traditional leader of Lwandlolubomvu Traditional Council (1947–1996)
  • Sigananda kaSokufa, Zulu aristocrat (c. 1815–1906)
  • Hendrik Spoorbek, prophet and magician (died 1845)
  • Mbongeleni Zondi, Zulu chief and great-grandson of Inkosi Bambatha kaMancinza (1969–2009)

Atheists

thumb|150px|[[Govan Mbeki]]

  • Zackie Achmat, AIDS activist, (born 1962)
  • David Benatar, professor of philosophy (born 1966)
  • Barry Duke, activist, journalist, editor of The Freethinker (born 1947)
  • Nadine Gordimer, activist, writer, Nobel laureate (1923–2014)
  • Chris Hani, politician (1942–1993)
  • Ronnie Kasrils, politician (born 1938)
  • Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of Thabo Mbeki (1910–2001)
  • Jacques Rousseau, secular activist, social commentator (born 1971)
  • Harold Rubin, visual artist, musician (1932–2020)
  • Joe Slovo, politician (1926–1995)
  • Lewis Wolpert, author, biologist, broadcaster (1929–2021)

Prelates, clerics and evangelists

thumb|150px|[[Desmond Tutu]]

  • William Anderson, missionary (1769–1852)
  • Nicholas Bhengu, evangelist and founder of Assemblies of God (1909–1986)
  • Allan Boesak, cleric and anti-apartheid activist (born 1945)
  • David Jacobus Bosch, missiologist and theologian (1929–1992)
  • Angus Buchan, evangelist (born 1947)
  • Frank Chikane, cleric and anti-apartheid activist (born 1951)
  • John William Colenso, Anglican bishop of Natal (1814–1883)
  • Mvume Dandala, former presiding bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and a former head of the All Africa Conference of Churches (born 1951)
  • Ahmed Deedat (1918–2005)
  • S.J. du Toit, cleric, Afrikaans language pioneer and founder member of the Genootskap vir Regte Afrikaners (1847–1911)
  • Tshenuwani Farisani, South African politician, theologian, and Lutheran minister (1947–2025)
  • Allan Hendrickse, cleric and MP (1927–2005)
  • Denis Hurley, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Durban (1915–2004)
  • Edward Lekganyane, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader (1922–1967)
  • Engenas Lekganyane, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) founder (1885–1948)
  • Albert Luthuli, cleric, politician and 1960 Nobel Peace Prize winner (c. 1898–1967)
  • Thabo Makgoba, current Archbishop of Cape Town and Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (born 1960)
  • Charlotte Maxeke, religious leader and political activist (1874–1939)
  • Ray McCauley, head of Rhema church (1949–2024)
  • Enoch Mgijima, Xhosa prophet and evangelist (1868–1928)
  • Robert Moffat, missionary, Bible translator and founder of Kuruman (1795–1883)
  • Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Catholic priest (born 1939)
  • Frederick Samuel Modise, founder of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (1914–1998)
  • Glayton Modise, the International Pentecostal Holiness Church leader (1940–2016)
  • Andrew Murray (1828–1917)
  • Zithulele Patrick Mvemve, South African Roman Catholic bishop (1941–2020)
  • Selby Mvusi, theologian and artist (1929–1967)
  • Wilfrid Napier, cardinal of the Catholic Church (born 1941)
  • Beyers Naudé, cleric and anti-apartheid activist (1915–2004)
  • Jozua Naudé, pastor, school founder and co-founder of the Afrikaner Broederbond (1873–1948)
  • Njongonkulu Ndungane, South African Anglican bishop and a former prisoner on Robben Island (born 1941)
  • Carl Niehaus, theologian and former spokesman of South African president Nelson Mandela (born 1959)
  • Albert Nolan, Catholic priest (1934–2022)
  • Ntsikana, Christian Xhosa prophet, evangelist and hymn writer (1780–1821)
  • John Philip, missionary (1775–1851)
  • Barney Pityana, human rights lawyer and theologian (born 1945)
  • Ambrose Reeves, Anglican bishop and opponent of Apartheid (1899–1980)
  • Walter Rubusana, first deputy president of the ANC and cleric (1856–1936)
  • David Russell, South African Anglican bishop (1938–2014)
  • Isaiah Shembe, the Church of Nazareth founder (1865–1935)
  • Benjamin Silinda, a founder of the Nazarene Revival (1925–2015)
  • Tiyo Soga, Xhosa journalist, minister, translator, missionary evangelist, and composer of hymns (1829–1871)
  • Desmond Tutu, cleric and Nobel Peace Prize winner (1931–2021)
  • William Cullen Wilcox, missionary (1850–1928)

Sport

Conservationists

thumb|150px|[[James Stevenson-Hamilton]]

  • Ian Player (1927–2014)
  • James Stevenson-Hamilton (1867–1957)
  • John Varty (born 1950)

Food

thumb|150px|[[Karen Dudley]]

thumb|150px|[[Prue Leith]]

  • Bertus Basson (born 1979)
  • Karen Dudley (born 1968)
  • Prue Leith (born 1940)
  • Abigail Mbalo-Mokoena
  • Jenny Morris
  • Nompumelelo Mqwebu (born 1977)
  • Siba Mtongana (born 1984)
  • Kamini Pather (born 1983)
  • Reuben Riffel (born 1974)
  • Lesego Semenya (1982–2021)
  • Yudhika Sujanani
  • Faldela Williams (1952–2014)

Travelers, adventurers and pioneers

thumb|

  • Alexander Biggar, colonial pioneer (1781–1838)
  • Jeanne M. Borle, missionary and naturalist (1880 – ca. 1979)
  • William John Burchell, naturalist traveler (1781–1863)
  • Francisco de Almeida, adventurer buried in Cape Town (c. 1450–1510)
  • Bartolomeu Dias, explorer who reached eastern Cape (c. 1450–1500)
  • John Dunn, colonial pioneer (1833–1895)
  • Robert Jacob Gordon, explorer, soldier, naturalist (1743–1795)
  • Emil Holub, explorer (1847–1902)
  • Nathaniel Isaacs, Natal traveler (1808–1872)
  • Dick King, colonial pioneer (1813–1871)
  • François Levaillant, Cape naturalist traveler (1753–1824)
  • Karl Mauch, traveling geologist (1873–1875)
  • Harriet A. Roche, Transvaal traveler (1835–1921)
  • Carl Peter Thunberg, Cape naturalist traveler (1743–1828)
  • Sibusiso Vilane, first black African to summit Mount Everest (born 1970)
  • Kingsley Holgate, traveler and pioneer (born 1946)
  • Mike Horn, explorer, traveler, environmentalist, adventurer (born 1966)
  • James Alexander, explorer of the west coast and Namibia (1803–1885)
  • Saray Khumalo, explorer and mountaineer (born 1972)

Criminals

thumb|150px|[[Daisy de Melker]]

  • Thabo Bester, convicted criminal, rapist and serial killer (born 1986)
  • Daisy de Melker, second woman to be hanged for murder under the Union of South Africa (1886–1932)
  • William Foster, leader of the Foster Gang
  • Allan Heyl, Stander Gang member and bank robber (died 2020)
  • Cedric Maake, serial killer (born 1965)
  • Bulelani Mabhayi, serial killer (born 1974)
  • Nandipha Magudumana, fraudster, corruptionst, con-artist, prison escaper, violater of bodies (born 1989)
  • Simon Majola, robber and serial killer who, with (born 1968)
  • Fanuel Makamu, robber, rapist and serial killer (born 1977)
  • Andries Makgae, serial killer and rapist (born 1962)
  • Vusimuzi Matlala, South African criminal
  • Lee McCall, Stander Gang member and bank robber (1950–1984)
  • Nicholas Lungisa Ncama, rapist and serial killer
  • Velaphi Ndlangamandla, robber and serial killer (born 1966)
  • Solomon Ngobeni, last person to be executed by the government of South Africa (died 1989)
  • Oscar Pistorius, double amputee, former professional sprinter, and convicted murderer (born 1986)
  • Butana Almond Nofomela, murderer (born 1957)
  • Gert van Rooyen, paedophile (1938–1990)
  • Khangayi Sedumedi, serial killer and rapist (born 1977)
  • Schabir Shaik, fraudster
  • Norman Afzal Simons, rapist and serial killer (born 1967)
  • Moses Sithole, convicted serial rapist and murderer (born 1964)
  • Rashied Staggie, crime boss (1961–2019)
  • Andre Stander, gang member (1946–1984)
  • Thozamile Taki, serial killer (born 1971)
  • Sipho Thwala, rapist and serial killer (born 1968)
  • Dorethea van der Merwe, first woman to be hanged for murder under the Union of South Africa
  • Bulelani Vukwana, spree killer (c. 1973–2002)
  • Elias Xitavhudzi, serial killer
  • Christopher Mhlengwa Zikode, rapist and serial killer (born 1975)

Other

thumb|150px|[[Louis-Napoléon, Prince Imperial]]

  • Sir Herbert Baker, influential in South African architecture (1862–1946)
  • Nozipho Bhengu, woman whose death was from an AIDS-related illness (1974–2006)
  • Fredie Blom, supercentenarian Fredie Blom (1904–2020)
  • Denise Darvall, considered to be donor for the first human heart transplant (1943–1967)
  • Ncoza Dlova, heralded as first black female head of University of KwaZulu-Natal's School of Clinical Medicine
  • Napoléon Eugène, last of Napoleons who died in Zulu war (1856–1879)
  • Emily Hobhouse, African British welfare campaigner for South Africans (1860–1926)
  • John Hutchinson, thorough contributor to South African botany (1884–1972)
  • Nkosi Johnson, child who died of AIDS (1989–2001)
  • Isabel Jean Jones, early consumer advocate journalist (died 2008)
  • Masego Kgomo, South African girl murdered (1999–2009)
  • Marie Koopmans-de Wet, South African philanthropist and hostess (1834–1906)
  • Sandra Laing, racial classification victim (born 1955)
  • Paul Lloyd Jr, first South African wrestler to wrestle in WWE, son of successful SA wrestling promoter Paul Lloyd (born 1981)
  • Asnath Mahapa, first female South African pilot (born 1979)
  • Joe Mamasela, former Apartheid government spy (born 1953)
  • Nomkhitha Virginia Mashinini, South African apartheid detainee, the mother of political figure Tsietsi Mashinini, and a community worker (1935–2008)
  • Leigh Matthews, South African university student, kidnapped and murdered (1983–2004)
  • Breaker Morant, Australian Boer War soldier executed by the British Army (1864–1902)
  • Uyinene Mrwetyana, South African student, raped and murdered (2000–2019)
  • Hastings Ndlovu, poster victim of the Soweto riots (1961–1976)
  • Hector Pieterson, poster victim of the Soweto riots (1964–1976)
  • Mrs. Ples, hominid fossil (born c. 2.6 to 2.8&nbsp;million years ago)
  • Raymond Rahme, first African to reach a final table at a World Series of Poker Main Event, finishing third (born 1945)
  • Willem Ratte, soldier and criminal (born 1948)
  • Rosenkowitz sextuplets, first known set of sextuplets to survive their infancy (born 1974)
  • Thandi Sibisi, art dealer, gallery owner (born 1986)
  • Maki Skosana, necklaced due to be suspected as a police informer (1961–1985)
  • Reeva Steenkamp, South African model and paralegal (1983–2013)
  • Adam Tas, colonial activist (1668–1722)
  • Andries Tatane, Ficksburg activist killed by police (1978–2011)
  • Taung Child, hominid fossil (born c. 2.5&nbsp;million years ago)
  • Louis Washkansky, recipient of first human heart transplant (1913–1967)
  • Wolraad Woltemade, colonial hero figure (c. 1708–1773)

See also

  • Great South Africans, television program listing the 100 greatest South Africans as voted for by viewers
  • List of South African office-holders
  • List of Southern Ndebele people
  • List of State leaders in the 20th century (1951–2000)
  • List of white Africans of European ancestry
  • List of Xhosa people
  • List of Zulu people
  • Lists of people by nationality
  • They Shaped Our Century, survey by Media24 in 1999 about 100 most influential South Africans (and people associated with South Africa) of the twentieth century

References