South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s net worth gains $100 million in 10 days

South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe has added $100 million to his net worth in the past 10 days as the value of his mining interests continues to rise, including holdings linked to two of Africa’s major mining companies. According to Forbes, Motsepe’s net worth rose to $3.7 billion from $3.6 billion on Aug. 19. 

The latest increase follows a $200 million rise in his fortune between July 30 and Aug. 19, when his net worth climbed from $3.4 billion to $3.6 billion. Much of Motsepe’s wealth is tied to his controlling interest in African Rainbow Minerals and an indirect 11.8% stake in Harmony Gold, South Africa’s largest gold producer.

Harmony Gold earnings jump 87%

Harmony Gold’s latest results have provided a boost to the value of Motsepe’s mining interests. The Johannesburg-based gold producer reported a sharp increase in annual earnings, helped by higher gold prices, strong production from its underground mines and the contribution from its newly acquired copper operations in Australia.

For the financial year ended June 30, 2026, Harmony reported headline earnings of R27.24 billion ($1.61 billion), up 87% from R14.53 billion ($800 million) a year earlier, according to its audited financial statements. Basic net profit attributable to shareholders rose 104% to R29.35 billion ($1.74 billion), from R14.38 billion ($795 million).

Headline earnings per share increased to 4,363 South African cents ($2.58), compared with 2,337 cents ($1.29) in the previous financial year. The stronger results came as gold prices rose and the company benefited from improved operating performance across its mines.

Motsepe’s ARM expects stronger full-year earnings

Motsepe’s ARM is also expected to report stronger full-year earnings. The company said headline earnings for the year ended June 30 are expected to increase by between 12 percent and 22 percent, helped by higher prices for platinum-group metals that offset weaker iron ore operations.

ARM expects headline earnings to come in between R3.02 billion and R3.29 billion ($188.4 million to $205.2 million), compared with R2.7 billion ($168.4 million) a year earlier. Headline earnings per share are expected to rise to between 1,544 cents and 1,682 cents, from 1,379 cents previously.

The results from Harmony and the expected improvement at ARM have come as Motsepe’s fortune has risen by $300 million since July 30. His net worth now stands at $3.7 billion, according to Forbes, underscoring how closely his personal wealth is tied to the performance of his mining investments.