List of South Africans

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

Academics

Academics

• Estian Calitz, academic (born 1949)
• Jacobus Johannes Nicolaas (Koos) Cloete, Unisa, published author: Public Administration (1919-1915)
• Miriam Green, academic now living in England
• Adam Habib, political scientist
• Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, academic and politician (1894–1948)
• Tshilidzi Marwala, academic and businessman (born 1971)
• Njabulo Ndebele, Principal of the University of Cape Town (born 1948)
• D. C. S. Oosthuizen, philosopher, (1926–1968)
• Adriaan N Pelzer, historian and Vice-Principal University Pretoria (1915–1981)
• 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)
• 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)
• Patrick Soon-Shiong, surgeon, founder Abraxis BioScience, billionaire (born 1952)
• Arnold Theiler, veterinarian (1867–1936)
• Max Theiler, virologist, 1951 Nobel Prize winner (1899–1972)
• John Borthwick (veterinary surgeon), veterinary surgeon in the Cape Colony (1867–1936)

Scientists

• Andrew Geddes Bain, geologist (1797–1864)
• Peter Beighton, geneticist (born 1934)
• Wilhelm Bleek, linguist (1827–1875)
• Robert Broom, palaeontologist (1866–1951)
• Sydney Brenner, biologist, 2002 Physiology or Medicine Nobel Prize winner (born 1927)
• Phillip Clancey, ornithologist (1918–2001)
• Allan McLeod Cormack, physicist (1924–1998)
• Clement Martyn Doke, linguist (1893–1980)
• Mulalo Doyoyo, professor and inventor (born 1970)
• Alexander du Toit, geologist (1878–1948)
• Robert Allen Dyer, botanist (1900–1987))
• J. W. B. Gunning, zoologist (1860–1913)
• David Lewis-Williams, archaeologist (born 1934)
• Lucy Lloyd, anthropologist (1834–1914)
• Thebe Medupe, astrophysicist (born 1973)
• Hans Merensky, geologist (1871–1952)
• 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

• Ahmed Deedat (1918–2005)
• David Bosch (1929–1992)
• Dion Forster (born 1972)
• Johan Heyns (1928–1994)
• Andrew Murray (1828–1917)
• Bhakti Narasimha Swami (born 1960)

Writers

Authors

• Lady Anne Barnard, travel writer and artist (1750–1825)
• Herman Charles Bosman, author (1905–1951)
• André P. Brink, author (born 1935)
• Justin Cartwright, novelist (born 1945)
• John Maxwell 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)
• C. J. Langenhoven, writer and poet (1873–1932)
• Dalene Matthee, author (1938–2005)
• Gcina Mhlope, author, storyteller, playwright, director, actor (born 1959)
• Phaswane Mpe, novelist (1970–2004)
• Deon Meyer, author (born 1958)
• Alan Paton, author (1903–1988)
• Karel Schoeman, novelist and historian (born 1939)
• Olive Schreiner, author (1855–1920)
• Margaret Roberts, herbalist and writer
• 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)
• Rachel Zadok, London-based South African writer (born 1972)

Editors

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

Poets

See also: South African poets and Afrikaans language poets

• Roy Campbell, poet (1901–1957)
• Sheila Cussons, poet (1922–2004)
• Jonty Driver (born 1939)
• Jakob Daniël du Toit, poet a.k.a. Totius (1877–1953)
• Elisabeth Eybers, poet (1915–2007)
• Stephen Gray writer and poet (born 1941)
• Ingrid Jonker, poet (1933–1965)
• Antjie Krog, poet, novelist and playwright (born 1952)
• Laurence Lerner, poet (born 1925)
• Chris Mann, poet
• Eugène Nielen Marais, poet, writer, lawyer and naturalist (1871–1936)
• Thomas Pringle, poet and journalist (1789–1834)
• N. P. van Wyk Louw, poet (1906–1970)
• Mongane Wally Serote poet, activist and politician (born 1944)
• Stephen Watson, poet (1954–2011)

Journalists

• Jani Allan, journalist and radio personality (born 1953)
• John Charles Daly, television journalist, executive and game show host (1914–1991)
• John Matisonn, print and radio journalist for both South African and United States broadcasters (born 1949)
• Arthur Goldstuck, journalist (born 1959)
• Lara Logan, CBS television reporter/correspondent (born 1971)
• 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)
• Eric Lloyd Williams, journalist and war correspondent (1915–1988)
• Donald Woods, journalist and anti-apartheid activist (1933–2001)

Artists

Performing artists

Actors/Actresses

• Sandra Prinsloo, South African actress (born 1947) (The Gods Must Be Crazy, Quest for Love (1988 film)) stage(afrikaan adaption of Miss Julie which saw the first on-screen kiss between a black man and a white woman)
• Peter Cartwright, actor (born 1935)
• Sharlto Copley, actor, (District 9) (born 1973)
• Tanit Phoenix, actress (Death Race: Inferno, Lord of War, Safe House, Femme Fatales, Mad Buddies) (born 1984)
• Embeth Davidtz, actress (born 1965)
• Willie Esterhuizen, actor
• Brett Goldin, actor (1977–2006)
• David James, actor, stage, television, and film actor (born 1972)
• Sid James, film & television actor (1913–1976)
• Adhir Kalyan, actor (born 1983)
• John Kani, actor, entertainer and writer (born 1943)
• Alice Krige, actress (born 1954)
• Sean Michael (South African actor), (born 1969)
• Patrick Mynhardt, actor (1932–2007)
• Winston Ntshona, actor (born 1941)
• Sasha Pieterse, actress (born 1996)
• Basil Rathbone, actor (1892–1967)
• Stelio Savante, actor (born 1970)
• Hennie Jacobs, actor (born 1981)
• Clive Scott, actor (born 1937)
• Antony Sher, actor, author and painter (born 1949)
• Cliff Simon, actor (born 1962)
• William Smith, TV teacher and presenter
• Janet Suzman, actress (born 1939)
• Charlize Theron, actress (born 1975)
• Pieter-Dirk Uys, political satirist and entertainer (born 1945)
• Musetta Vander, actress (born 1969)
• Arnold Vosloo, actor (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, 24) (born 1962)
• Maps Maponyane, actor (born 1990)

Dancers

• Juliet Prowse, dancer (1936–1996)

Playwrights and film directors

• Neill Blomkamp, director, District 9 (born 1979)
• Lev David, writer and media consultant (born 1980)
• Charles J. Fourie, playwright (born 1965)
• Athol Fugard, playwright (born 1932)
• Ronald Harwood, playwright and writer (born 1934)
• Rob De Mezieres, film director and writer
• Mbongeni Ngema, playwright, actor, choreographer and director (born 1955)
• Mthuli ka Shezi, playwright and political activist (1947–1972)
• Leon Schuster, filmmaker, comedian, actor and prankster (born 1951)
• Jamie Uys, film director (1921–1996)
• Gavin Hood, film director (born 1963), best known for writing and directing the Academy Award-winning Foreign Language Film, Tsotsi (2005)
• Michael Oblowitz film director

Singers, musicians and composers

See also: South African musicians and South African composers

• Zain Bhikha, world-renowned singer-songwriter of the Nasheed genre
• Michael Blake, classical composer
• Johan Botha, opera singer (born 1965)
• Al Bowlly, popular singer (born 1898)
• Johnny Clegg, musician (born 1953)
• Mimi Coertse, opera singer (born 1932)
• Fanie de Jager, operatic tenor (born 1949)
• Lucky Dube, reggae singer (1964–2007)
• Daniel Friedman (Deep Fried Man), musical comedian (born 1981)
• Claire Johnston, singer
• David Kramer, singer and playwright (born 1951)
• Clare Loveday, classical composer
• Winston Ngozi Mankunku, tenor sax player (1943–2009)
• Mahlathini, mbaqanga singer (1938–1999)
• Miriam Makeba, singer and civil rights activist (born 1940)
• Manfred Mann, musician (born 1940)
• Hugh Masekela, jazz trumpeter and singer (born 1940)
• Gwendolyn Masin, violinist, author, pedagogue (born 1977)
• Aquiles Priester, drummer (born 1971)
• Koos Ras, comedian, singer, writer, composer (1928–1997)
• Enoch Sontonga, composer of national anthem (1873–1905)
• Joseph Shabalala, founder and director of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (born 1941)
• Shaun Morgan, lead singer of the award-winning band Seether (born c. 1978)
• Dave Matthews, musician, Dave Matthews Band (born c. 1967)
• ZP Theart, singer, ex Dragonforce (born c. 1974)
• Hilda Tloubatla, lead singer of Mahotella Queens (born 1942)
• Trevor Rabin, musician, composer, former member of progressive rock band Yes
• Watkin Tudor Jones, rapper, performance artist, band member of Die Antwoord
• Arnold van Wyk, classical composer
• Yolandi Visser, rapper, performance artist, band member of Die Antwoord
• Kevin Volans, classical composer

Models, socialites and media personalities

• Tanit Phoenix, Sports Illustrated model and actress
• Jani Allan, radio personality, journalist (born 1953)
• Riaan Cruywagen, TV news reader (born 1945)
• Trevor Denman, horse racing announcer (born 1952)
• Alan Khan, radio and television personality (born 1971)
• Jeremy Mansfield, radio and TV personality
• Candice Swanepoel, Victoria's Secret model
• Gina Athans, model, international socialite
• Charlize Theron
• Megan McKenzie
• Minki van der Westhuizen, model and TV presenter
• Debora Patta, broadcast journalist and television producer
• Jeremy Maggs, journalist, radio host and television presenter
• Caspar Lee, YouTube personality and actor
• Khanyi Mbau, television personality, actress and socialite.
• Troye Sivan, YouTube personality, actor and singer.
• Trevor Noah, comedian, actor, radio- and television host.
• Maps Maponyane, media socialite, model and actor
• Watkin Tudor Jones(Ninja) singer, rapper, actor, director.
• Yolandi Visser singer, rapper, actor.

Visual Artists

Cartoonists

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

Painters

• Thomas Baines, colonial painter and explorer (1820–1875)
• 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 (died 2011)
• William Kentridge, painter (born 1955)
• Neville Lewis, artist (1895–1972)
• Conor Mccreedy, artist (born 1987)
• Brett Murray, artist (born 1961)
• George Pemba, visual artist (1912–2001)
• Jacobus Hendrik 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)
• Maggie Laubser, painter (1886–1973)

Photographers

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

Sculptors

• Anton van Wouw (1862–1945)

Performance Artists

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

Architects

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

Business

• Raymond Ackerman, businessman (born 1931)
• Barney Barnato, mining magnate (1852–1897)
• David Brink, businessman (born 1939)
• John Fairbairn, founder of Mutual Life
• Vanessa Gounden, South Africa's richest businesswoman (born 1961)
• Sol Kerzner, hotel magnate (born 1935)
• Basetsana Kumalo, former Miss South Africa, presenter and businesswoman (born 1974)
• Sammy Marks, businessman (1844–1920)
• Patrice Motsepe, businessman (born 1962)
• Elon Musk, Internet and space launch entrepreneur (born 1971)
• 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)
• Cecil Rhodes, businessman (1853–1902)
• Anton Rupert, businessman and conservationist (1916–2006)
• Johann Rupert, businessman, son of Anton Rupert (born 1950)
• Tokyo Sexwale, politician and businessman (born 1953)
• Mark Shuttleworth, web entrepreneur, founder of Thawte and Ubuntu Linux, space tourist (born 1973)
• Roelof Botha, is a venture capitalist and company director.
• George Rex, pioneer entrepreneur of the Southern Cape (1765–1839)

Legal, police and military

• Lourens Ackermann, constitutional court judge (born 1934)
• Ismail Ayob, lawyer (born 1942)
• George Bizos, lawyer (born 1928)
• Louis Botha, Boer War General, captured Winston Churchill during the Second Boer War, also one of the singnitaries of the Treaty of Vereeniging (1862–1919)
• Arthur Chaskalson, judge (born 1931)
• Piet Cronjé, Boer general and commander-in-chief of ZAR's military forces (1840–1911)
• 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)
• Richard Goldstone, ex-constitutional court judge (born 1938)
• Harold Hanson, advocate QC (1904–1973)
• 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
• 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)
• Mogoeng Mogoeng, Chief Justice of South Africa (born 1961)
• 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)
• Albie Sachs, justice in constitutional court (born 1935)
• Jackie Selebi, national commissioner of police (born 1950)
• 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

• Zackie Achmat, AIDS activist (born 1962)
• Neil Aggett, political activist and trade unionist (c. 1953–1982)
• Jeremy Baskin, trade unionist (born 1956)
• Edward Bhengu, founder member of the PAC (1934–2010)
• Steve Biko, nonviolent political activist (1946–1977)
• John Langalibalele Dube, first president of the ANC (1871–1946)
• Chris Hani, political activist (1942–1993)
• Pregs Govender, human rights activist, former ANC MP, anti-apartheid campaigner (born 1960)
• Irene Grootboom, housing rights activist (c. 1969–2008)
• Ruth Hayman, anti-apartheid campaigner (died 1981)
• Ahmed Kathrada, political activist (born 1929)
• Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (born 1936)
• Adolph Malan, fighter pilot and civil rights activist (1910–1963)
• Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of Thabo Mbeki (1910–2001)
• Robert McBride, anti-apartheid assassin and later police chief (born 1963)
• Fatima Meer, scientist and political activist (1928–2010)
• Vuyisile Mini, unionist and Umkhonto we Sizwe activist (1920–1964)
• Elias Motsoaledi, political activist (1924–1994)
• Griffiths Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1935–1981)
• Victoria Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1942–1985)
• Lilian Ngoyi, anti-apartheid activist (1911–1980)
• Reggie September, activist (1923–2013)
• Rachel Simons, communist and trade unionist (1914–2004)
• Albertina Sisulu, political activist and wife of Walter Sisulu (born 1919)
• Walter Sisulu, political activist (1912–2003)
• Robert Sobukwe, political activist (1924–1978)
• Oliver Tambo, political activist (1917–1993)
• Khoisan X, political activist (1955–2010)

Apartheid operatives

• Wouter Basson, apartheid scientist (born 1950)
• Dirk Coetzee, apartheid covert operative
• Eugene de Kock, apartheid assassin
• Clive Derby-Lewis, assassin and former parliamentarian (born 1936)
• 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

See also: Dutch Cape governors, British Cape governors, Natal governors and Governors-General

• 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 1847–52 (1787–1860)
• Andries Stockenström, governor of British Kaffraria (1792–1964)
• 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 (1873–1960), Chief Justice of South Africa and acting Governor-General

Leaders and politicians

• Ken Andrew, politician (born 1943)
• Kader Asmal, an activist, politician and professor of human rights (born 1934)
• Sibusiso Bengu, politician (born 1934)
• 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)
• Abba Eban, Israeli diplomat and politician (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)
• Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, politician and second wife of Nelson Mandela (born 1936)
• Trevor Manuel, minister of finance (born 1956)
• Lindiwe Mazibuko, current Parliamentary Leader for the opposition Democratic Alliance (born 1980)
• Roelf Meyer, politician and businessman (born 1947)
• 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)
• Joe Slovo, politician (1926–1995)
• Harry Schwarz, lawyer, politician, ambassador to United States and anti-apartheid leader (1924–2010)
• Helen Suzman, politician (1917–2009)
• Catherine Taylor, politician (1914–1992)
• Frederik van Zyl Slabbert, PFP opposition leader (1940–2010)
• Helen Zille, DA opposition leader, current Premier of the Western Cape (born 1951)
• Jacob Zuma, current President (born 1942)

Prime Ministers and Presidents

• 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 (born 1936)
• 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)
• Jozua François 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)
• 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)
• 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)

Royalty

• Cetshwayo kaMpande, 4th Zulu king (1826–1884)
• Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon, 7th Zulu king (1924–1945)
• Goodwill Zwelethini, 8th and current king of the Zulu nation (born 1948)
• Dingane kaSenzangakhona, 2nd Zulu king and half-brother of Shaka (1795–1840)
• Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, 5th Zulu king (1868–1913) not officially recognized
• Mangosuthu Buthelezi, politician and a Zulu prince (born 1928)
• uZibhebhu kaMaphitha, Zulu prince and chief (1841–1904)
• 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)
• Mpande, 3rd Zulu king and half-brother of Shaka (1798–1872)
• Mzilikazi, king of the Matabele (c. 1790–1868)
• Sekhukhune, king of the Marota (or Bapedi) (1814–1882)
• Shaka, founder of the Zulu nation (1787–1828)
• Solomon kaDinuzulu, 6th Zulu king (1891–1933) not officially recognized

Tribal leaders and prophets

See also: Gcaleka rulers, Ndwandwe people, Xhosa Chiefs, Zulus

• Hintsa kaKhawuta, amaXhosa chief (1789–1835)
• Khawuta kaGcaleka, amaXhosa chief (c. 1761–1804)
• Adam Kok, Griqua leader (1811–1875)
• Thandatha Jongilizwe Mabandla, amaBhele chief, Tyume Valley, Alice, Ciskei (born 1926)
• Makhanda, amaXhosa prophet (died 1820)
• Chief Mqalo, Amakhuze chief, Ciskei region (1916–2008)
• Moshoeshoe I, Basotho chief (c. 1786–1870)
• Ngubengcuka, prominent chief of the Thembu amaXhosa (died 1832)
• Nongqawuse, millennialist amaXhosa prophetess (c. 1840–1898)
• Sarili kaHintsa, amaXhosa chief (c. 1810–1892)
• Sigananda kaSokufa, Zulu aristocrat (c. 1815–1906)
• Hendrik Spoorbek, prophet and magician (died 1845)

Atheists

• Zackie Achmat, AIDS activist, (born 1962)
• David Benatar, professor of philosophy
• Barry Duke, activist, journalist, editor of The Freethinker (born 1947)
• Nadine Gordimer, activist, writer, Nobel laureate (1923–2014)
• Ronnie Kasrils, politician
• Jacques Rousseau, secular activist, social commentator (born 1971)
• Harold Rubin, visual artist, musician (born 1932)
• Joe Slovo, politician (1926–1995)
• Lewis Wolpert, author, biologist, broadcaster (born 1929)

Prelates, clerics and evangelists

• William Anderson, missionary (1769–1852)
• Allan Boesak, cleric and anti-apartheid activist (born 1945)
• Angus Buchan, evangelist (born 1947)
• Frank Chikane, cleric and anti-apartheid activist (born 1951)
• John William Colenso, Anglican bishop of Natal (1814–1883)
• S.J. du Toit, cleric, Afrikaans language pioneer and founder member of the Genootskap vir Regte Afrikaners (1847–1911)
• Allan Hendrickse, cleric and MP (1927–2005)
• Denis Hurley, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Durban (1915–2004)
• 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 (born 1949)
• Robert Moffat, missionary, Bible translator and founder of Kuruman (1795–1883)
• Wilfrid Napier, cardinal of the Catholic Church (born 1941)
• Beyers Naudé, cleric and anti-apartheid activist (1915–2004)
• Albert Nolan, Catholic priest (born 1934)
• John Philip, missionary (1775–1851)
• Desmond Tutu, cleric and Nobel Peace Prize winner (born 1931)
• William Cullen Wilcox, missionary (1850–1928)

Sport

American Football

• Gary Anderson, kicker for Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Minnesota and Tennessee (born 1959)
• Ezra Butler, linebacker for the New York Jets (born 1984)
• Jerome Pathon, wide receiver for Indianapolis, New Orleans and Atlanta (born 1975)
• Naas Botha, placekicker for Dallas Cowboys (born 1958)

Athletics

• Carle Pace, marathon runner, 400m and 800m record holder, cyclist (born 1918)
• Okkert Brits, pole-vaulter (born 1973)
• Zola Budd, marathon and long-distance runner (born 1966)
• Hestrie Cloete, high jumper (born 1978)
• Bruce Fordyce, ultra-marathon runner (born 1955)
• Jacques Freitag, high jumper (born 1982)
• Llewellyn Herbert, 400m hurdles, Olympic bronze medallist (born 1977)
• Frantz Kruger, discus thrower (born 1975)
• Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, middle distance runner, Olympic silver medallist (born 1980)
• Oscar Pistorius, disabled runner (born 1986)
• Hezekiél Sepeng, middle distance runner, Olympic silver medallist (born 1974)
• Josia Thugwane, marathon runner, Olympic gold medallist (born 1971)
• Louis Jacob van Zyl, 400m hurdles, Commonwealth Games gold medallist (born 1985)

Baseball

• Barry Armitage, pitcher (born 1979)
• Gavin Fingleson, second baseman (born 1979), silver medalist for Australia in 2004 Athens Olympics^[1]

Basketball

• Steve Nash, point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers (born 1974)
• Thabo Sefolosha, shooting guard for Chicago and Oklahoma City (born 1984)
• Irene van Dyk, played for South Africa and New Zealand (born 1972) Netball Player

Boxing

• Cassius Baloyi, featherweight boxer (born 1974)
• Mike Bernardo, boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts fighter (born 1969)
• Francois Botha, heavyweight boxer (born 1968)
• Vuyani Bungu, IBF Super Bantamweight Champion 1994–1999 (born 1967)
• Gerrie Coetzee, World Boxing Association heavyweight champion (born 1955)
• Pierre Coetzer, heavyweight boxer, (born 1961)
• Thomas Hamilton-Brown, 1936 Summer Olympics lightweight (born 1916)
• Kallie Knoetze, heavyweight boxer (born 1953)
• Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, IBF Super Bantamweight Champion 1999–2001 (born 1971)
• "Baby" Jakes Matlala, junior flyweight champion (born 1962)
• Brian Mitchell, WBA Super Featherweight Champion 1986–1991, IBF Super Featherweight Champion 1991
• Welcome Ncita, IBF Super Bantamweight Champion 1990–1992 (born 1965)
• Corrie Sanders, heavyweight boxer (1966–2012)
• Mike Schutte, heavyweight boxer (1950–2008)
• Mzukisi Sikali, flyweight boxer (1971–2005)
• Pierre Fourie, middle and light heavyweight boxer (1943–1980)

Canoe

• Shaun Rubenstein, canoer (born 1983), World Marathon champion 2006

Cricket

See also: South African Test cricketers, South African ODI cricketers, South African Twenty20 International cricketers, South African women Test cricketers

• Shafiek Abrahams, right-arm spin bowler (born 1968)
• Paul Adams, left-arm spin bowler (born 1977)
• Adam Bacher, right-handed batsman (born 1973)
• Ali Bacher, right-handed batsman and administrator (born 1942); (relative of Adam Bacher)
• Edgar John Barlow, right-arm fast bowler and coach (1940–2005)
• Nicky Boje, all-rounder (born 1973)
• Tertius Bosch, right-arm fast bowler (1966–2000)
• Johan Botha, right-arm spin bowler (born 1982)
• Mark Boucher, wicket-keeper and right-handed batsman (born 1976)

• David Callaghan, all-rounder (born 1965)
• Jimmy Cook, right-handed batsman (born 1953)
• Hansie Cronje, Proteas captain, all-rounder (1969–2002)
• Daryll Cullinan, right-handed batsman (born 1967)
• Basil D'Oliveira, right-handed batsman (born 1931)
• Alan Dawson, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1969)
• Abraham de Villiers, wicket-keeper and right-handed batsman (born 1984)
• Fanie de Villiers, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1964)
• Matthew Dennington, cricketer (born 1982)
• Boeta Dippenaar, right-handed batsman (born 1977)
• Allan Donald, right-arm fast bowler (born 1966)
• Jean-Paul Duminy, left-handed batsman (born 1984)
• Clive Eksteen, left-arm spin bowler (born 1966)
• Steve Elworthy, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1965)
• Dennis Gamsy, Test wicket-keeper (born 1940)
• Herschelle Gibbs, right-handed batsman (born 1974)
• Norman Gordon, fast bowler (born 1911)
• Tony Greig, right-handed batsman and commentator (born 1946)
• Andrew Hall, all-rounder (born 1975)
• Nantie Hayward, right-arm fast bowler (born 1977)
• Claude Henderson, left-arm spin bowler (born 1972)
• Omar Henry, left-arm spin bowler (born 1952)
• Steven Herzberg, (born 1967)
• Andrew Hudson, right-handed opening batsman (born 1952)
• Martin van Jaarsveld, right-handed batsman (born 1974)
• Steven Jack, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1970)
• Jacques Kallis, all-rounder (born 1975)
• Chad Keegan, cricketer (born 1979)
• Justin Kemp, all-rounder (born 1977)
• Jon Kent, cricketer (born 1979)
• Gary Kirsten, left-handed opening batsman (born 1967)
• Peter Kirsten, right-handed batsman (born 1955)
• Lance Klusener, all-rounder (born 1971)
• Garnett Kruger, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1977)
• Adrian Kuiper, all-rounder (born 1959)
• Charl Langeveldt, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1974)
• Gerhardus Liebenberg, right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper (born 1972)
• Allan Lamb, right-hand batsman (born 1954)
• Craig Matthews, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1965)
• Neil McKenzie, right-handed batsman (born 1975)
• Brian McMillan, all-rounder (born 1963)
• Albie Morkel, right-handed batsman (born 1981)
• Morné Morkel,cricketer(born 1984)
• Victor Mpitsang, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1980)
• André Nel, fast bowler (born 1977)
• Makhaya Ntini, fast bowler (born 1977)
• Justin Ontong, right-arm spin bowler (born 1980)
• Hugh Page, right arm fast bowler (born 1961)
• Robin Peterson, left-arm spin bowler (born 1979)
• Kevin Pietersen, right-handed batsman (born 1980)
• Graeme Pollock, left-handed batsman (born 1944)
• Shaun Pollock, Proteas captain, fast-medium bowler, nephew of Graeme (born 1973)
• Nic Pothas, right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper (born 1973)
• Ashwell Prince, left-handed batsman (born 1977)
• Meyrick Pringle, right-arm fast medium swing bowler (born 1966)
• Andrew Puttick, cricketer (born 1980)
• Jonty Rhodes, right-handed batsman (born 1969)
• Clive Rice, all-rounder (born 1949)
• Dave Richardson, right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper (born 1959)
• Jacques Rudolph, left-handed batsman (born 1981)
• Mark Rushmere, right-handed batsman (born 1965)
• Brett Schultz, left-arm fast bowler (born 1970)
• Lawrence Seeff, batsmen (born 1959)
• Graeme Smith, Proteas captain, batsman (born 1981)
• Greg Smith, cricketer (born 1971)
• Errol Stewart, right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper (born 1969)
• Dale Steyn, right-arm fast bowler (born 1983)
• Rudi Steyn, cricketer (born 1967)
• Pieter Strydom, cricketer (born 1969)
• Fred Susskind, Test batsman (born 1891)
• Pat Symcox, right-arm spin bowler (born 1960)
• Percy Sonn, sixth president of the International Cricket Council, first ICC president from Africa (1949–2007)
• Roger Telemachus, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1973)
• David Terbrugge, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1977)
• Kepler Wessels, Proteas captain, left-handed batsman (born 1957)
• Henry Williams, right-arm fast medium bowler (born 1967)
• Charl Willoughby, cricketer (born 1974)
• Mandy Yachad, cricketer (born 1960)
• Monde Zondeki, right-arm fast bowler (born 1982)

Cycling

• John-Lee Augustyn (born 1986)
• Ryan Cox (born 1979)
• David George (born 1976)
• Robbie Hunter (born 1977)
• Daryl Impey (born 1984)
• Laurens Meintjes (1868–1941)
• Burry Stander (1987–2013)
• Carla Swart (1987–2011)

Golf

• Ernie Els (born 1969)
• Retief Goosen (born 1969)
• Trevor Immelman (born 1979)
• Gary Player (born 1936)
• Rory Sabbatini (born 1976)
• Charl Schwartzel (born 1984)
• Sewsunker "Papwa" Sewgolum (1930–1978)
• David Frost (born 1959)

Ice Hockey

• Olaf Kölzig, goaltender (born 1970)

Motorsport

See also: South African racecar drivers and Formula One drivers

• Greg Albertyn, World and American Motocross Champion
• Rory Byrne, racing car designer for Ferrari and others
• Dave Charlton, Formula One driver
• Giniel de Villiers, rally raid driver, 2009 Dakara Rally winner
• Jan Hettema, five times SA Rally Drivers Champion and Springbok cyclist
• Grant Langston, World and American Motocross Champion
• Gordon Murray, Grand Prix car designer (born 1946)
• Tyla Rattray, World Motocross Champion
• Ian Scheckter, Formula One driver (brother of Jody Scheckter)
• Jody Scheckter, 1979 Formula One world champion (born 1950)
• Tomas Scheckter, South Africa, Indy Racing League driver
• Wayne Taylor, sports car driver and team owner, 1994 IMSA GT champion
• Sarel van der Merwe, rally and racing driver, multiple SA Rally Drivers Champion.

Poker

• Raymond Rahme, first African to reach a final table at a World Series of Poker Main Event, finishing third (born 1945)

Rugby

• Louis Babrow, national team
• Bakkies Botha, Springbok, lock (born 1979)
• Naas Botha, Springbok, flyhalf and TV presenter (born 1958)
• Schalk Burger, Springbok, flank (born 1983)
• Kitch Christie, Springbok coach (1940–1998)
• Danie Craven, Springbok, scrumhalf and administrator (1910–1994)
• Jean de Villiers, Springbok, centre and wing (born 1981)
• Peter de Villiers, Springbok coach (born 1957)
• Morne du Plessis, Springbok, eight man (born 1949)
• Frik du Preez, Springbok, lock/flank (born 1935)
• Os du Randt, Springbok, prop (born 1972)
• Okey Geffin, forward, national team (1921–2004)
• Danie Gerber, Springbok, centre (born 1958)
• Gerrie Germishuys, Springbok, wing (born 1949)
• Bryan Habana, Springbok, wing (born 1983)
• Butch James, Springbok, flyhalf (born 1979)
• Joe Kaminer, national team (born 1934)
• Shawn Lipman, U.S. national team
• Victor Matfield, Springbok, lock (born 1977)
• Alan Menter, national team
• Percy Montgomery, Springbok, fullback (born 1974)
• Cecil Moss, national team
• Sydney Nomis, national team (1901–1962)
• Bennie Osler, Springbok, fly-half (1901–1962)
• Francois Pienaar, Springbok, flank (born 1967)
• Myer Rosenblum, flanker, South Africa national team (1907–2002)
• John Smit, Springbok, hooker (born 1978)
• Fred Smollan, national team (1908–1998)
• François Steyn, Springbok, flyhalf/fullback (born 1987)
• Joel Stransky, Springbok, flyhalf, kicked winning points in 1995 Rugby World Cup, played by Scott Eastwood in Invictus (born 1967)
• Gary Teichmann, Springbok, number 8 (born 1967)
• Joost van der Westhuizen, Springbok, scrum-half (born 1971)
• Jake White, Springbok coach (born 1963)
• Chester Williams, Springbok, wing (born 1970)
• Morris Zimerman (1911–1992)

Soccer

• Gary Bailey, goalkeeper for England and Manchester United (born 1958)
• Shaun Bartlett, striker (born 1972)
• Kagisho Dikgacoi, midfielder for Fulham and Crystal Palace (born 1984)
• Mark Fish, defender for Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and Jomo Cosmos (born 1974)
• Siboniso Gaxa, defender for Lierse S.K. (born 1984)
• Quinton Fortune, midfielder and defender for Manchester United (born 1977)
• Dean Furman, midfielder (born 1988) (Oldham Athletic)^[2]
• Doctor Khumalo, midfielder (born 1967)
• Benni McCarthy, striker (born 1977)
• Aaron Mokoena, defender, most capped player on the national team (born 1980)
• Steven Pienaar, Everton F.C. midfielder (born 1982)
• Lucas Radebe, Bafana Bafana captain, defender (born 1969)
• Jomo Sono, midfielder and coach (born 1955)
• Siyabonga Nomvete, striker (born 1977)

Surfing

• John Whitmore, father of South African surfing (1929–2001)
• Shaun Tomson, former world champ (born 1955)
• Grant Baker, winner of the Mavericks Big Wave contest in California
• Martin Potter (surfer), 1989 world champ (born 1965)
• Jordy Smith, winner of the 2010 and 2011 ASP World Tour Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay events (born 1988)

Swimming

• Natalie du Toit, disabled swimmer (born 1984)
• Lyndon Ferns, Olympic gold medallist (born 1983)
• Penny Heyns, breaststroke, Olympic gold medallist (born 1974)
• Ryk Neethling, freestyle, Olympic gold medallist (born 1977)
• Sarah Poewe, Olympic bronze medallist (4x100 medley relay) (born 1983)
• Roland Mark Schoeman, freestyle, Olympic gold medallist (born 1980)
• Darian Townsend, Olympic gold medallist (born 1984)
• Charlene Wittstock, backstroke swimmer (born 1978)
• Karen Muir, backstroke, youngest world record holder in any sport in 1965 at 12 years old (born 1952)
• Chad le Clos, Olympic gold medallist (born 1992)

Tennis

• Neil Broad, seven ATP tour doubles titles and Olympic doubles silver medallist (born 1966)
• Amanda Coetzer, 1998 Family Circle Cup (born 1971)
• Kevin Curren, four Grand Slam doubles titles (born 1958)
• Cliff Drysdale, player and television commentator (born 1941)
• Roger Federer, holds both Swiss and South African citizenship (born 1981)
• Wayne Ferreira, 1996 Canada Masters, 2000 Eurocard Open and Olympic doubles silver medallist (born 1971)
• Ian Froman, South African-born Israeli tennis player and patron
• Bob Hewitt, men's doubles champion: Wimbledon, French and US Open (born 1940)
• Ilana Kloss, won 1976 US Open Women's Doubles (w/Linky Boshoff), highest world doubles ranking # 1 (born 1956)
• Johan Kriek, 1981 and '82 Australian Open champion (born 1958)
• Frew McMillan, men's doubles champion at Wimbledon, French and US Open (born 1942)

Triathlon

• Conrad Stoltz (born 1973)
• Dan Hugo (born 1985)

Conservationists

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

Travelers, adventurers and pioneers

• Alexander Biggar, colonial pioneer (1781–1838)
• 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
• Mike Horn, explorer, traveler, environmentalist, adventurer
• James Alexander, explorer of the west coast and Namibia

Criminals

• Schabir Shaik, convicted fraudster
• Moses Sithole, convicted serial rapist and murderer (born 1964)
• Rashied Staggie, crime boss
• Andre Stander, gang member (1946–1984)
• Gert van Rooyen, pedophile (died 1990)
• Bulelani Vukwana, spree killer (c. 1973–2002)
• Daisy de Melker, murderer (1886–1932)
• William Foster, leader of the Foster Gang

Other

• Sir Herbert Baker, influential in South African architecture (1862–1946)
• Denise Darvall, donor for the first human heart transplant (1943–1967)
• Emily Hobhouse, welfare campaigner for South Africans (1860–1926)
• John Hutchinson, contributor to South African botany (1884–1972)
• Nkosi Johnson, child who died of AIDS (1989–2001)
• Sandra Laing, victim of racial classification (born 1955)
• Paul Lloyd Jr, first South African wrestler to wrestle in WWE, son of successful SA wrestling promoter Paul Lloyd (born 1981)
• Breaker Morant, Boer War soldier (1864–1902)
• Napoléon Eugène, last of Napoleons who died in Zulu war (1856–1879)
• Hector Pieterson, poster victim of the Soweto riots (1964–1976)
• Mrs. Ples, homonid fossil (born c. 2.6 to 2.8 million years ago)
• Willem Ratte, soldier and criminal (born 1948)
• Rosenkowitz sextuplets, first known set of sextuplets to survive their infancy (born 1974)
• Adam Tas, colonial activist (1668–1722)
• Taung Child, homonid fossil (born c. 2.5 million years ago)
• Louis Washkansky, recipient of first human heart transplant (1913–1967)
• Wolraad Woltemade, colonial hero figure (c. 1708–1773)
• Cino Shearer, LGBT rights activist and philanthropist ( born 1984)

See also

• List of Xhosa people
• List of Zulus
• List of people by nationality
• SABC3's Great South Africans, a television program listing the 100 greatest South Africans as voted for by viewers
• List of White Africans
• They shaped our century, a survey by Media24 in 1999 about 100 most influential South Africans (and people associated with South Africa) of the twentieth century

References

1. ↑ Stacey Dresner and Judie Jacobson (29 December 2004). "Movers & Shakers in 2004". The Jewish Ledger. Retrieved 24 May 2010. 
2. ↑ Graeme Macpherson (11 June 2008). "Furman: I'm not going anywhere". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 20 December 2010.