CAPE TOWN – South Africa’s exclusive list of dollar billionaires has expanded again at the close of 2025. Paul van Zuydam, the chairman and owner of French cookware giant Le Creuset, has officially joined the ranks of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
According to real-time wealth tracking data released this week, the 87-year-old industrialist’s net worth has crossed the $1.7 billion (approximately R28.4 billion) threshold, placing him alongside established business titans such as Johann Rupert, Patrice Motsepe, and Nicky Oppenheimer.
The “Iron” Fortune
Unlike many of his peers whose wealth stems from mining or finance, Van Zuydam’s fortune is built on enamelled cast iron. He is the sole owner of Le Creuset, a brand he acquired in 1988 when it was a struggling French foundry facing bankruptcy.
His turnaround strategy—which involved keeping manufacturing in France while pivoting the brand from “kitchen utility” to “premium lifestyle”—has paid off spectacularly. The company now generates estimated annual revenues exceeding $850 million (R14 billion) and has operated without external debt since 2001.
A Quiet Titan
Van Zuydam is known for his low profile. Despite living in South Africa, he has largely flown under the radar compared to other local tycoons. His entry into the billionaire rankings highlights a shift in wealth creation away from traditional commodities and towards global consumer brands.
“He bought a company nobody wanted and turned it into a product everyone covets,” notes market analyst Sarah Ngcobo. “His wealth is not speculative; it is built on selling millions of premium pots to Asia, Europe, and the US.”
The SA Billionaire Club (Dec 2025 Update)
With Van Zuydam’s entry, he becomes the oldest South African on the dollar billionaire list at 87. He joins a formidable roster that includes:
- Johann Rupert (Luxury Goods) – $16.0 billion
- Nicky Oppenheimer (Diamonds) – $10.5 billion
- Koos Bekker (Media/Tech) – $3.8 billion
- Patrice Motsepe (Mining) – $3.6 billion
- Michiel Le Roux (Banking) – $3.1 billion
- Jannie Mouton (Finance) – $2.2 billion
- Christo Wiese (Retail) – $1.8 billion
- Paul van Zuydam (Consumer Goods) – $1.7 billion
