South Africa's journey from apartheid to democracy remains marred by a deeply entrenched economic power structure that favours a select few.
These elites, often referred to as the "apartheid oligarchs," are individuals and families whose immense wealth and influence were built on the systemic oppression of the majority of South Africans during apartheid. Despite political liberation, their grip on the economy has only tightened, ensuring that true transformation remains elusive.
Who are the apartheid oligarchs?
The apartheid oligarchs can be broadly categorised into two groups based on their historical and economic dominance.
The Afrikaner elite includes figures like Johann Rupert, one of South Africa's richest men, whose business empire spans luxury goods and banking. Another is Koos Bekker, the media tycoon behind Naspers, which dominates the digital economy through its stake in Tencent.
The English elite: The Oppenheimer family, synonymous with diamond mining through De Beers and Anglo-American, remains one of the most influential economic dynasties. Similarly, the Menell family and other owners of South African banks continue to wield significant control over the financial sector.
These oligarchs not only accumulated immense wealth during apartheid but also maintained their dominance through strategic positioning in the post-apartheid economy. They have safeguarded their interests by controlling media, financial institutions, and key industries.
The emergence of Black billionaires in post-apartheid
In the wake of democracy, South Africa witnessed the emergence of a few black billionaires. Two names stand out: Patrice Motsepe and Dr Iqbal Survé. While both achieved remarkable success, their journeys and treatment from the establishment differ starkly.
As a mining magnate and the brother-in-law of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Motsepe has enjoyed significant benefits, including government-backed opportunities and favourable policies. His connections to political power have insulated him from the scrutiny and attacks others face.
In contrast, Survé’s rise has been met with relentless hostility from the apartheid oligarchs. Starting his career as a medical doctor, Dr Survé built his fortune through hard work and strategic investments across multiple sectors, including media, technology, and healthcare. Unlike Motsepe, he is not tethered to political patronage but has forged his path independently.
A champion of transformation
Dr Survé is not just a billionaire but a visionary who has consistently championed economic transformation. As the owner of Independent Media, Africa’s largest black-owned media house, he has disrupted the status quo by ensuring a platform for diverse voices. Under his leadership, Independent Media has become a truly South African media organisation, offering a voice to all citizens, particularly those from previously disadvantaged communities.
Pioneering transformation in media
Independent Media employs the most women editors on the continent, making it a trailblazer in gender representation within the media industry.
Many Independent Media reporters hail from previously disadvantaged communities. This enables the organisation to produce content that resonates with the lived realities of most South Africans, unlike media outlets controlled by the oligarchs, which often cater to elite interests.
By focusing on issues that matter to African audiences, Independent Media has filled a critical gap, challenging narratives imposed by Western-dominated media.
Why do the oligarchs fear Dr Survé?
The oligarchs’ fear of Dr Survé stems from his unique position as a principled disruptor of the establishment. Unlike the oligarchs, whose wealth is rooted in apartheid-era exploitation, Dr Survé has created his wealth through genuine entrepreneurship and investments in various global sectors. His success challenges the narrative that economic power should remain concentrated in the hands of a few.
Both black and white South Africans admire Dr Survé for his unwavering commitment to transformation and equality. His vast international network, spanning from the East to the West—including relationships with global leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Bill Clinton—makes him a formidable figure on the global stage.
By championing transformation in the media and broader economy, Survé has become a thorn in the side of the apartheid oligarchs. They see him as a threat to their control over South Africa’s narrative and resources. His principled stance and independence—unlike many others who succumb to the pressures of political or economic elites—make him a target.
The oligarchs’ war against Dr Survé has been multifaceted, ranging from coordinated media attacks to attempts to undermine his businesses. These attacks are not just personal; they assault the broader transformation project in South Africa. By discrediting Dr Survé, the apartheid oligarchs aim to maintain their stranglehold on the country’s economy and media.
In conclusion, Dr Survé represents the aspirations of millions of South Africans who dream of an inclusive and equitable society. His journey from a medical doctor to a billionaire media owner is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, vision, and integrity. However, his success has also made him a target of the apartheid oligarchs, who fear losing their economic dominance.
The battle against Dr Survé concerns not just one man but South Africa's future. Will the country continue to be held hostage by apartheid-era elites, or will it embrace true transformation? The answer lies in whether South Africans stand with disruptors like Dr Survé, who embody the principles of justice, equality, and progress.