Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe is one of South Africa’s most successful and well known entrepreneurs. He had to face more than his share of struggles to achieve the prominent position he holds in society- one of which was growing up during the apartheid era. He holds a unique place in African history, being the first ‘black billionaire’ and the one thing that really sets him apart is the fact that he has pledged half of his wealth to charity.
Motsepe had a very humble childhood working behind the counter of his father’s little grocery store, at the very young age of five. However, he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life stuck in a rut and decided to study law. He earned the distinction of being the first black partner at the corporate law firm of Bowman Gilfillan.
Patrice Motsepe’s Family Profile
Here’s a brief glimpse into the family profile and history of Patrice Motsepe, inspiring business tycoon.
Patrice Motsepe’s Parents- Chief Augustine Butana Chaane Motsepe and Key Motsepe
His father was originally a school teacher who decided to start his own business. Patrice learnt the basics of business and got his first real exposure to mining from his father. He was born in Soweto, which is actually where his mother grew up. He got his business skills from his father and his heart of gold from his mother. He says he never forgot how she would always give free food to the poor.
Patrice Motsepe’s Siblings
1) Bridgette Radebe
She is Patrice’s older sister. She holds the distinct position of being the South Africa’s first black female mining entrepreneur. She is married to Jeff Radebe, a renowned politician and has three children with him.
2) Dr. Tshepo Motsepe- Ramaphosa
She is Patrice’s other sister and is a renowned medical doctor. She is married to tycoon, Cyril Ramaphosa and has four children with him.
Patrice Motsepe’s Spouse- Dr. Precious Makgosi Moloi Motsepe
She is an inspiration to women everywhere. Originally a doctor by profession, she is the chairman of African Fashion International (AFI) company which is the crème de la crème of African fashion. She isn’t just some model-turned-fashionista but is actually a highly educated professional, successful business woman, mother and wife to four children. She believes strongly in building up society and feels that the fashion industry plays a key role in developing small entrepreneurs.
Patrice Motsepe’s Children
He has three sons with Dr. Precious Makgosi Moloi Motsepe and they are- Thlopie, Kgosi and Kabelo Motsepe. They all live together in Johannesburg.
Net Worth
His net worth is estimated to be about $2.65 billion according to Forbes Magazine and he is the fourth wealthiest South African man and the sixth wealthiest in Africa. According to Times Live of South Africa, his net worth is estimated to be approximately $3.3 billion.
He has donated half of his wealth to rural development projects in Africa and to educational and health related charities. He is a member of ‘The Giving Pledge’- the group of billionaires who have vowed to give back to society.