List of South Africans facts for kids

This is a list of famous and important people from South Africa. These individuals have made a big difference in many areas, like science, arts, politics, and sports. They come from different backgrounds and have helped shape South Africa's history and future.

Smart Minds and Discoverers

Academics and Thinkers

These are people who spent their lives learning and teaching, often at universities.

• Shulamith Behr, an expert in art history (1946–2023)
• Estian Calitz, a respected academic (born 1949)
• Jakes Gerwel, a university leader and fought against apartheid (1946–2012)
• Adam Habib, a political scientist (born 1965)
• Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, an academic and politician (1894–1948)
• Thamsanqa Kambule, a mathematician and teacher (1921–2009)
• Tshilidzi Marwala, an academic and businessman (born 1971)
• Revil Mason, an archaeologist who studied ancient times (1929–2020)
• Shula Marks, a historian (born 1938)
• Njabulo Ndebele, a leader at the University of Cape Town (born 1948)
• D. C. S. Oosthuizen, a philosopher (1926–1968)
• Adriaan N Pelzer, a historian and university leader (1915–1981)
• Michiel Daniel Overbeek, an amateur astronomer who watched variable stars (1920–2001)
• Pierre de Villiers Pienaar, a pioneer in speech therapy and language studies (1904–1978)
• Calie Pistorius, an academic and university leader (born 1958)
• Milton Shain, a professor of modern Jewish history (born 1949)
• Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, an author, teacher, and the first black South African to get a PhD (1906–1947)
• David Webster, an anthropologist (1945–1989)

Medical and Animal Doctors

These individuals made important contributions to health and medicine.

• Abraham Manie Adelstein, a chief medical statistician (1916–1992)
• Christiaan Barnard, a famous heart surgeon who did the first human heart transplant (1922–2001)
• Wouter Basson, a medical scientist (born 1950)
• John Borthwick (veterinary surgeon), a veterinary surgeon in the Cape Colony (1867–1936)
• Mary Malahlela, the first black woman to become a medical doctor in South Africa (1916–1981)
• Joan Morice, the first female animal doctor in South Africa (1904–1944)
• Anna Coutsoudis, a public health scientist (born 1952)
• Patrick Soon-Shiong, a surgeon and successful businessman (born 1952)
• Arnold Theiler, a veterinarian (1867–1936)
• Max Theiler, a virologist who won a Nobel Prize in 1951 (1899–1972)
• Lindiwe Sidali, a surgeon (born 1984)

Scientists and Researchers

These people explored the world and made new discoveries.

• Andrew Geddes Bain, a geologist (1797–1864)
• Peter Beighton, a geneticist (1934–2023)
• Wilhelm Bleek, a linguist (1827–1875)
• Robert Broom, a palaeontologist who studied ancient fossils (1866–1951)
• Sydney Brenner, a biologist who won a Nobel Prize in 2002 (1927–2019)
• Phillip Clancey, an ornithologist who studied birds (1918–2001)
• Allan McLeod Cormack, a physicist (1924–1998)
• Zodwa Dlamini, a biochemist
• Clement Martyn Doke, a linguist (1893–1980)
• Mulalo Doyoyo, a professor and inventor (born 1970)
• Alexander du Toit, a geologist (1878–1948)
• Robert Allen Dyer, a botanist who studied plants (1900–1987)
• Melville Edelstein, a sociologist (1919–1976)
• Wendy Foden, a conservation biologist
• J. W. B. Gunning, a zoologist who studied animals (1860–1913)
• Quarraisha Abdool Karim, an associate scientific director at CAPRISA (born 1960)
• Salim Abdool Karim, an epidemiologist and infectious diseases expert (born 1960)
• David Lewis-Williams, an archaeologist (born 1934)
• Lucy Lloyd, an anthropologist (1834–1914)
• Thebe Medupe, an astrophysicist who studies space (born 1973)
• Hans Merensky, a geologist (1871–1952)
• Austin Roberts, a zoologist (1883–1948)
• Peter Sarnak, a mathematician (born 1953)
• Ramotholo Sefako, an astrophysicist (born 1971)
• Buyisiwe Sondezi, a physicist (born 1976)
• Basil Schonland, a physicist (1896–1972)
• J.L.B. Smith, an ichthyologist who studied fish (1897–1968)
• Phillip Tobias, a palaeontologist (1925–2012)

Religious Scholars

These are people who studied religion and faith.

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

Wordsmiths and Storytellers

Authors and Novelists

These people wrote books, stories, and plays.

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

Editors and Journalists

These people worked with news and magazines.

• Kojo Baffoe, a magazine editor (born 1972)
• Khanyi Dhlomo, a magazine editor (born 1975)
• Laurence Gandar, an editor for the Rand Daily Mail (1915–1998)
• Niel Hammann, an editor of magazines (born 1937)
• John Tengo Jabavu, a political activist and newspaper editor (1859–1921)
• Aggrey Klaaste, a journalist and editor (1940–2004)
• Max du Preez, a newspaper editor (born 1951)
• Jani Allan, a journalist and radio personality (born 1953)
• George Claassen, a journalist (born 1949)
• Robyn Curnow, a CNN television reporter
• John Charles Daly, a television journalist (1914–1991)
• Arnold S de Beer, a journalist and academic (1942–2021)
• Frene Ginwala, a journalist and politician (1932–2023)
• Arthur Goldstuck, a journalist (born 1959)
• Noni Jabavu, a journalist and the first black South African woman to publish her life story (1919–2008)
• Archibald Campbell Jordan (1906–1968)
• Lara Logan, a television reporter (born 1971)
• Peter Magubane, a photographer (1932–2024)
• John Matisonn, a print and radio journalist (born 1949)
• Zakes Mda, a journalist (born 1948)
• Nathaniel Ndazana Nakasa, a journalist and short story writer (1937–1965)
• Sam Nzima, a photographer famous for his picture of Hector Pieterson during the Soweto uprising (1934–2018)
• Henry Nxumalo, an investigative journalist during apartheid (1917–1957)
• Sol Plaatje, a journalist and political activist (1877–1932)
• Percy Qoboza, a journalist and political activist (1938–1988)
• Barry Streek, a journalist, activist, and author (1948–2006)
• Redi Tlhabi, a journalist and broadcaster (born 1978)
• Eric Lloyd Williams, a journalist and war correspondent (1915–1988)
• Donald Woods, a journalist and anti-apartheid activist (1933–2001)

Poets and Rhymers

These people wrote beautiful poems.

• Roy Campbell, a poet (1901–1957)
• Judy Croome, a poet (born 1958)
• Sheila Cussons, a poet (1922–2004)
• Jonty Driver (1939–2023)
• Jakob Daniël du Toit, a poet also known as Totius (1877–1953)
• Elisabeth Eybers, a poet (1915–2007)
• Stephen Gray, a writer and poet (1941–2020)
• Ingrid Jonker, a poet (1933–1965)
• Antjie Krog, a poet, novelist, and playwright (born 1952)
• Laurence Lerner, a poet (1925–2016)
• Lucas Malan, an Afrikaans academic and poet (1946–2010)
• Chris Mann, a poet (1948–2021)
• Eugène Nielen Marais, a poet, writer, and naturalist (1871–1936)
• Thomas Pringle, a poet and journalist (1789–1834)
• N.S. Puleng, a poet and author (born 1958)
• N. P. van Wyk Louw, a poet (1906–1970)
• Mongane Wally Serote, a poet, activist, and politician (born 1944)
• Stephen Watson, a poet (1954–2011)

Creative Talents

Performing Artists

These people perform on stage, screen, or with music.

Actors and Actresses

These individuals bring characters to life in movies, TV shows, and plays.

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

Dancers and Choreographers

These people express themselves through movement.

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

Playwrights and Film Directors

These individuals create stories for the stage and screen.

• Neill Blomkamp, a director known for District 9 (born 1979)
• Charles J. Fourie, a playwright (born 1965)
• Athol Fugard, a famous playwright (born 1932)
• Ronald Harwood, a playwright and writer (1934–2020)
• Oliver Hermanus, a film director and writer (born 1983)
• Gray Hofmeyr, a film director (born 1949)
• Gavin Hood, a film director who won an Academy Award for Tsotsi (born 1963)
• Rob De Mezieres, a film director and writer
• Mbongeni Ngema, a playwright, actor, and director (born 1955)
• Michael Oblowitz, a film director (born 1952)
• Mthuli ka Shezi, a playwright and political activist (1947–1972)
• Leon Schuster, a filmmaker, comedian, and prankster (born 1951)
• Jamie Uys, a film director (1921–1996)

Singers, Musicians, and Composers

These people create and perform music.

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

Media Personalities and Models

These people are known for their presence in media and fashion.

• Jani Allan, a radio personality and journalist (born 1953)
• Gina Athans, a model and international personality (born 1984)
• Riaan Cruywagen, a TV news reader (born 1945)
• Lasizwe Dambuza, a television personality (born 1998)
• Belle Delphine, a social media personality (born 1999)
• Trevor Denman, a horse racing announcer (born 1952)
• Minnie Dlamini, a TV presenter, model, and actress (born 1990)
• Jade Fairbrother, a model (born 1986)
• Watkin Tudor Jones (Ninja), a singer, rapper, actor, and director (born 1974)
• Roxy Ingram, a model (born 1982)
• Alan Khan, a radio and television personality (born 1971)
• Caspar Lee, a YouTube personality and actor (born 1994)
• Jeremy Maggs, a journalist, radio host, and TV presenter (born 1961)
• Jeremy Mansfield, a radio and TV personality
• Maps Maponyane, a media personality, model, and actor (born 1990)
• Robert Marawa, a sports journalist and TV/radio personality (born 1973)
• Megan McKenzie, a model (born 1980)
• Trevor Noah, a comedian, actor, and TV host (born 1984)
• Debora Patta, a broadcast journalist and TV producer (born 1964)
• Tanit Phoenix, a model and actress (born 1984)
• Lunga Shabalala, a TV presenter, model, and actor (born 1989)
• Linda Sibiya, a radio personality and TV host
• Troye Sivan, a YouTube personality, actor, and singer (born 1995)
• Reeva Steenkamp, a model (1983–2013)
• Candice Swanepoel, a Victoria's Secret model (born 1988)
• Charlize Theron, an actress and film producer (born 1975)
• Lesego Tlhabi, a comedian and satirist (born 1988)
• Yolandi Visser, a singer, rapper, and actor (born 1984)
• Minki van der Westhuizen, a model and TV presenter (born 1984)
• Eddie Zondi, a radio personality and music composer (1967–2014)

Visual Artists

These people create art you can see.

Cartoonists

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

Painters and Illustrators

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

Photographers

• Kevin Carter (1961–1994)
• Ernest Cole (1940–1990)
• Caroline Gibello (born 1974)
• David Goldblatt, a 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

• Steven Cohen (born 1962)
• Tracey Rose (born 1974)

Architects

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

Business Leaders

These people are known for their success in business and creating companies.

• Raymond Ackerman, a businessman (1931–2023)
• Barney Barnato, a mining leader (1852–1897)
• Roelof Botha, a venture capitalist (born 1973)
• David Brink, a businessman (born 1939)
• John Fairbairn, founder of Mutual Life (1794–1864)
• Vanessa Gounden, a successful businesswoman (born 1961)
• Morris Kahn, an Israeli billionaire (born 1930)
• Sol Kerzner, a hotel leader (1935–2020)
• Basetsana Kumalo, a former Miss South Africa and businesswoman (born 1974)
• Richard Maponya, a successful businessman and founder of Maponya Mall (1920–2020)
• Sammy Marks, a businessman (1844–1920)
• Nthato Motlana, a prominent businessman and anti-apartheid activist (1925–2008)
• Bridgette Motsepe, a businesswoman (born 1960)
• Patrice Motsepe, a businessman (born 1962)
• Elon Musk, an Internet and space travel entrepreneur (born 1971)
• Nicky Newton-King, the first female CEO of JSE (born 1966)
• Phiwa Nkambule, a co-founder and CEO of Riovic (born 1992)
• Harry Oppenheimer, a businessman (1908–2000)
• William G. Pietersen, an international businessman and professor (born 1937)
• Charles Purdon, an agricultural pioneer (1838–1926)
• Mamphela Ramphele, a political activist, academic, and businesswoman (born 1947)
• Cyril Ramaphosa, a politician and businessman (born 1952)
• George Rex, a pioneer entrepreneur (1765–1839)
• Cecil Rhodes, a businessman (1853–1902)
• Anton Rupert, a businessman and conservationist (1916–2006)
• Johann Rupert, a businessman, son of Anton Rupert (born 1950)
• Tokyo Sexwale, a politician and businessman (born 1953)
• Mark Shuttleworth, a web entrepreneur and space tourist (born 1973)

Law, Police, and Military Figures

These individuals worked in law, law enforcement, or the armed forces.

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

Political Figures

Activists and Union Leaders

These people worked to bring about social and political change.

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

Colonial and Union Governors

These were leaders during South Africa's colonial and Union periods.

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

Leaders and Politicians

These people held important political roles.

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

Prime Ministers and Presidents

These are the highest leaders of South Africa.

• Jacobus Boshoff, 2nd President of the Orange Free State (1808–1881)
• Louis Botha, 1st Prime Minister of South Africa (1862–1919)
• Pieter Willem Botha, 9th and last Prime Minister and 8th State President (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, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner (1936–2021)
• Nicolaas Johannes Diederichs, 4th State President (1903–1978)
• Jacobus Johannes Fouché, 3rd State President (1898–1980)
• James Barry Munnik Hertzog, 3rd Prime Minister (1866–1942)
• Josias Hoffman, 1st President of the Orange Free State (1807–1879)
• Petrus Jacobus Joubert, a Boer general (1834–1900)
• Paul Kruger, 5th President of South African Republic (1825–1904)
• Daniel François Malan, 5th Prime Minister, who helped set up apartheid (1874–1959)
• Nelson Mandela, the 1st democratically elected President and a Nobel Peace Prize winner (1918–2013)
• Thabo Mbeki, 2nd post-apartheid President (born 1942)
• John X. Merriman, last prime minister of the Cape Colony (1841–1926)
• Kgalema Motlanthe, 3rd post-apartheid President (born 1949)
• Tom Naudé, 2nd State President (1889–1969)
• Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, 3rd President of the Orange Free State (1819–1901)
• Marthinus Prinsloo, 1st President of the Republic of Graaff-Reinet (1751–1825)
• Cyril Ramaphosa, 5th post-apartheid President (born 1952)
• Francis William Reitz, 5th President of the Orange Free State (1844–1934)
• Jan Smuts, a Boer general and 2nd and 4th Prime Minister (1870–1950)
• Johannes Strijdom, 6th Prime Minister (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 and 1st State President of the RSA (1894–1982)
• Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd, 7th Prime Minister and main architect of Apartheid (1901–1966)
• Marais Viljoen, 5th and 7th State President (1915–2007)
• Balthazar Johannes Vorster, 8th Prime Minister and 6th State President (1915–1983)
• Jacob Zuma, 4th post-apartheid President (born 1942)

Provincial Premiers

These people lead the different provinces of South Africa.

• 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 (born 1948)
• Sylvia Lucas, 4th Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1964)
• David Mabuza, 4th Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1960)
• 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

These people led the "homelands" during the apartheid era.

• Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Chief Minister of KwaZulu (1928–2023)
• Oupa Gqozo, President of Ciskei (born 1952)
• Gen. Bantu Holomisa, Prime Minister of Transkei (born 1955)
• Chief Thandathu Jongilizwe Mabandla, 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 Minister and President of Bophuthatswana (1923–2018)
• Chief George Matanzima, Prime Minister of Transkei (1918–2000)
• King Kaiser Matanzima, Chief Minister and President of Transkei (1915–2003)
• Edward Mhinga, acting Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1927–2017)
• Job Mokgoro, Administrator of Bophuthatswana (born 1948)
• Kenneth Mopeli, Chief Minister of Qwaqwa (1930–2014)
• Chief Patrick Mphephu, Chief Minister and President of Venda (1924–1988)
• King Tutor Vulindlela Ndamase, President of Transkei (1921–1997)
• Hudson William Edison Ntsanwisi, Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1920–1993)
• Samuel Dickenson Nxumalo, Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1926–2017)
• Dr. Cedric Phatudi, Chief Minister of Lebowa (1912–1987)
• 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 (died c.1978)
• Stella Sigcau, Prime of Transkei (1937–2006)
• Tjaart van der Walt, Administrator of Bophuthatswana (1934–2019)

Administrators of Former Provinces

These individuals managed the old provinces of South Africa.

• 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 and Traditional Leaders

Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses

These are members of royal families and traditional leaders.

• 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, a politician and a Zulu prince (1928–2023)
• Dingane kaSenzangakhona, 2nd Zulu king and half-brother of Shaka (1795–1840)
• Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, 5th Zulu king (1868–1913)
• Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, King of the Thembu (born 1964)
• Sabata Dalindyebo, King of the Thembu (1928–1986)
• Faku kaNgqungqushe, King of the Mpondo (1780–1867)
• Hintsa ka Khawuta, King of Xhosa Nation (1780–1835)
• Khawuta kaGcaleka, King of the Xhosa Nation (1761–1804)
• Langalibalele, a Hlubi king (1814–1889)
• Ingwenyama Mayitjha II, 7th Ndebele king (1947–2005)
• Magogo kaDinuzulu, a Zulu princess and mother of Mangosuthu Buthelezi (1900–1984)
• Mampuru II, king of the Marota (died c.1883)
• Lwandile Matanzima, King of the Western Thembu (1970/71–2010)
• Luzuko Matiwane, 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, a Zulu princess (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, a Mhlongo princess and mother of Shaka (1760–1827)
• Tutor Vulindlela Ndamase, King of the Western Pondo (1921–1997)
• Ngqungqushe kaNyawuza, a Mpondo King (1715/1760–1810/1815)
• Ngubengcuka, a prominent king of the abaThembu (died 1830)
• Emma Sandile, a Xhosa Princess (1842–1892)
• Sandile kaNgqika, a Xhosa king (1820–1878)
• Zanesizwe Sandile, King of the Xhosa Nation (1956–2011)
• Noloyiso Sandile, a Zulu Princess and Rharhabe Regent Queen (1963–2020)
• Sarili kaHintsa, King Of The Xhosa Nation (c. 1810–1892)
• Botha Sigcau, King of the Eastern Pondo (died 1978)
• Xolilizwe Sigcawu, a Xhosa King (1926–2005)
• Zwelonke Sigcawu, a Xhosa king (1968–2019)
• Sekhukhune, king of the Marota (1814–1882)
• Senzangakhona kaJama, a Zulu king and father of Shaka (1762–1816)
• Shaka, founder of the Zulu nation (1787–1828)
• Solomon kaDinuzulu, 6th Zulu king (1891–1933)
• Victor Thulare III, king of the Pedi (1980–2021)
• uZibhebhu kaMaphitha, a Zulu prince and chief (1841–1904)

Tribal Leaders and Prophets

These individuals were important leaders and spiritual guides for their communities.

• Bambatha kaMancinza, a Zulu chief (1865–1906)
• Chief Albert Luthuli, a Zulu chief and political activist (1898–1967)
• Adam Kok, a Griqua leader (1811–1875)
• David Stuurman, a Khoi chief and political activist (1773–1830)
• Thandatha Jongilizwe Mabandla, an amaBhele chief (1926–2021)
• Makhanda, an amaXhosa prophet (died 1819)
• Maqoma, an amaRharhabe chief (1798–1873)
• Chief Mqalo, an Amakhuze chief (1916–2008)
• Moshoeshoe I, a Basotho chief (c. 1786–1870)
• Nongqawuse, an amaXhosa prophetess (c. 1840–1898)
• Ntsikana, an amaXhosa prophet (1780–1821)
• Lennox Sebe, Chief of AmaNtinde (1926–1994)
• Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau, a traditional leader (1947–1996)
• Sigananda kaSokufa, a Zulu aristocrat (c. 1815–1906)
• Hendrik Spoorbek, a prophet and magician (died 1845)
• Mbongeleni Zondi, a Zulu chief (1969–2009)

Religious Leaders

These people served in religious roles and often played a part in social change.

• William Anderson, a missionary (1769–1852)
• Nicholas Bhengu, an evangelist and founder of Assemblies of God (1909–1986)
• Allan Boesak, a cleric and anti-apartheid activist (born 1945)
• David Jacobus Bosch, a missiologist and theologian (1929–1992)
• Angus Buchan, an evangelist (born 1947)
• Frank Chikane, a cleric and anti-apartheid activist (born 1951)
• John William Colenso, an Anglican bishop (1814–1883)
• Ahmed Deedat (1918–2005)
• S.J. du Toit, a cleric and Afrikaans language pioneer (1847–1911)
• Allan Hendrickse, a cleric and MP (1927–2005)
• Denis Hurley, a Roman Catholic Archbishop (1915–2004)
• Edward Lekganyane, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader (1922–1967)
• Engenas Lekganyane, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) founder (1885–1948)
• Albert Luthuli, a cleric, politician, and 1960 Nobel Peace Prize winner (c. 1898–1967)
• Thabo Makgoba, the current Archbishop of Cape Town (born 1960)
• Charlotte Maxeke, a religious leader and political activist (1874–1939)
• Ray McCauley, head of Rhema church (born 1949)
• Robert Moffat, a missionary and Bible translator (1795–1883)
• Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, a 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, a Roman Catholic bishop (1941–2020)
• Selby Mvusi, a theologian and artist (1929–1967)
• Wilfrid Napier, a cardinal of the Catholic Church (born 1941)
• Beyers Naudé, a cleric and anti-apartheid activist (1915–2004)
• Jozua Naudé, a pastor and school founder (1873–1948)
• Carl Niehaus, a theologian and former spokesman for Nelson Mandela (born 1959)
• Albert Nolan, a Catholic priest (1934–2022)
• John Philip, a missionary (1775–1851)
• Barney Pityana, a human rights lawyer and theologian (born 1945)
• Ambrose Reeves, an Anglican bishop and opponent of Apartheid (1899–1980)
• David Russell, an Anglican bishop (1938–2014)
• Isaiah Shembe, the Church of Nazareth founder (1865–1935)
• Desmond Tutu, a cleric and Nobel Peace Prize winner (1931–2021)
• William Cullen Wilcox, a missionary (1850–1928)

Conservationists

These individuals worked to protect nature and wildlife.

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

Food Experts

These people are known for their work with food, often as chefs or writers.

• 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)
• Faldela Williams (1952–2014)

Explorers and Pioneers

These people traveled to new places or started new things.

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

Other Notable People

• Sir Herbert Baker, an influential architect (1862–1946)
• Nozipho Bhengu, a woman whose death was from an AIDS-related illness (1974–2006)
• Fredie Blom, a South African supercentenarian (1904–2020)
• Denise Darvall, a donor for the first human heart transplant (1943–1967)
• Ncoza Dlova, the first black female head of a university school (born 1971)
• Napoléon Eugène, the last of the Napoleons who died in the Zulu war (1856–1879)
• Emily Hobhouse, a British welfare campaigner for South Africans (1860–1926)
• John Hutchinson, a contributor to South African botany (1884–1972)
• Nkosi Johnson, a child who died of AIDS (1989–2001)
• Isabel Jean Jones, an early consumer advocate journalist (died 2008)
• Masego Kgomo, a South African girl (1999–2009)
• Marie Koopmans-de Wet, a philanthropist and hostess (1834–1906)
• Sandra Laing, a racial classification victim (born 1955)
• Paul Lloyd Jr, the first South African wrestler in WWE (born 1981)
• Asnath Mahapa, the first female South African pilot (born 1979)
• Joe Mamasela, a former government spy (born 1953)
• Nomkhitha Virginia Mashinini, an apartheid detainee and community worker (1935–2008)
• Leigh Matthews, a university student (1983–2004)
• Breaker Morant, an Australian Boer War soldier (1864–1902)
• Uyinene Mrwetyana, a South African student (2000–2019)
• Hastings Ndlovu, a victim of the Soweto riots (1961–1976)
• Hector Pieterson, a victim of the Soweto riots (1964–1976)
• Mrs. Ples, a hominid fossil (born c. 2.6 to 2.8 million years ago)
• Raymond Rahme, the first African to reach a final table at a World Series of Poker Main Event (born 1945)
• Willem Ratte, a soldier (born 1948)
• Rosenkowitz sextuplets, the first known set of sextuplets to survive infancy (born 1974)
• Maki Skosana, executed due to being suspected as a police informer (1961–1985)
• Reeva Steenkamp, a model and paralegal (1983–2013)
• Adam Tas, a colonial activist (1668–1722)
• Andries Tatane, an activist killed by police (1978–2011)
• Taung Child, a hominid fossil (born c. 2.5 million years ago)
• Louis Washkansky, recipient of the first human heart transplant (1913–1967)
• Wolraad Woltemade, a colonial hero figure (c. 1708–1773)

Images for kids

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  Eugène Terre'Blanche

See also

• Great South Africans, a TV program listing the 100 greatest South Africans
• 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, a survey about 100 influential South Africans