List of South Africans
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This is a list of notable and famous South Africans who are the subjects of Wikipedia articles.
Academics
Academics
- Estian Calitz, academic (born 1949)
- 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)
- Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, author, educator, and first black South African to receive a Ph.D. (1906–1947)[1]
- 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)
- John Borthwick (veterinary surgeon), veterinary surgeon in the Cape Colony (1867–1936)
- Joan Morice, first female veterinary surgeon in South Africa (1904–1944)
- Anna Coutsoudis (born 1952), public health scientist
- Patrick Soon-Shiong, surgeon, founder Abraxis BioScience, billionaire (born 1952)
- Arnold Theiler, veterinarian (1867–1936)
- Max Theiler, virologist, 1951 Nobel Prize winner (1899–1972)
- Lindiwe Sidali, surgeon (born 1984)
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)
- Zodwa Dlamini, biochemist
- 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)
- Melville Edelstein, sociology (1919–1976)
- Wendy Foden, conservation biologist
- 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
- David Bosch (1929–1992)
- John W. de Gruchy (born 1939)
- Dion Forster (born 1972)
- Johan Heyns (1928–1994)
Cardinal Wilfred Napier
Writers
Authors
- Lady Anne Barnard, travel writer and artist (1750–1825)
- Herman Charles Bosman, author (1905–1951)
- André P. Brink, author (1935–2015)
- 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)
- Pule Lechesa, essayist, literary critic, and poet (born 1976)
- 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)
- Margaret Roberts, herbalist and writer
- Karel Schoeman, novelist and historian (born 1939)
- Olive Schreiner, author (1855–1920)
- Mongane Wally Serote, poet and writer (born 8 May 1944)
- Wilbur Smith, novelist (born 1933)
- 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)
- David Yudelman, writer
- Rachel Zadok, London-based South African writer (born 1972)
Editors
- Kojo Baffoe, magazine editor (born 1972)
- Khanyi Dhlomo, magazine editor (born 1975)
- Laurence Gandar, Rand Daily Mail editor (1915–1998)
- Niel Hammann, editor of magazines (born 1837)
- John Tengo Jabavu, political activist and newspaper editor (1859–1921)
- Aggrey Klaaste, journalist and editor (1940–2004)
- Max du Preez, newspaper editor (born 1951)
Poets
See also: South African poets and Afrikaans language poets
- Roy Campbell, poet (1901–1957)
- Judy Croome, poet (born 1958)
- 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)
- Lucas Malan, Afrikaans academic and poet (1946-2010)
- 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)
- George Claassen, journalist
- Robyn Curnow, CNN television reporter and anchor
- John Charles Daly, television journalist, executive and game show host (1914–1991)
- Arthur Goldstuck, journalist (born 1959)
- Niel Hammann, journalist (born 1937)
- Archibald Campbell Jordan (1906–1968)
- Lara Logan, CBS television reporter/correspondent (born 1971)
- Peter Magubane, South African photographer (born 1932)
- John Matisonn, print and radio journalist for both South African and United States broadcasters (born 1949)
- Sam Nzima, South African photographer, who took image of Hector Pieterson for the Soweto uprising (1934–2018)
- 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
- Anel Alexander, actress, producer (born 1979)
- Lesley - Ann Brandt (South African born actress, notable for her role as Mazikeen in the show Lucifer, born 1981)
- Peter Cartwright, actor (1935–2013)
- Sharlto Copley, actor, (District 9) (born 1973)
- Embeth Davidtz, actress (born 1965)
- Gopala Davies, actor and director (born 1988)
- Pallance Dladla, actor (born 1992)
- Kim Engelbrecht, actress (born 1980)
- Willie Esterhuizen, actor
- Brett Goldin, actor (1977–2006)
- Roxane Hayward, actress (born 1991)
- Hennie Jacobs, actor (born 1981)
- David James, actor, stage, television, and film actor (born 1972)
- Sid James, film & television actor (1913–1976)
- Adhir Kalyan, actor (born 1983)
- Atandwa Kani, actor
- John Kani, actor, entertainer and writer (born 1943)
- Alice Krige, actress (born 1954)
- Joe Mafela, actor, writer and singer (1942–2017)
- Maps Maponyane, actor (born 1990)
- Khanyi Mbau, radio & television personality and actress notable for Happiness Is a Four-letter Word (born 1985)
- Nomzamo Mbatha, actress (born 1990)
- Michelle Mosalakae, actress (born 1994)
- Thuso Mbedu, actress (born 1991)
- Sean Michael (South African actor), (born 1969)
- Patrick Mynhardt, actor (1932–2007)
- Jessica Nkosi, actress (born 1990)
- Winston Ntshona, actor (1941–2018)
- Tanit Phoenix, actress (Death Race: Inferno, Lord of War, Safe House, Femme Fatales, Mad Buddies) (born 1984)
- Terry Pheto, actress (born 1981)
- Sasha Pieterse, actress (born 1996)
- Madelaine Petsch, actress (born 1994)
- Sandra Prinsloo, South African actress (born 1947) (The Gods Must Be Crazy, Quest for Love)
- Basil Rathbone, actor (1892–1967)
- Ian Roberts, actor, playwright, singer
- Angelique Rockas pioneer of multi-racial theatre in the UK
- Buhle Samuels
- Stelio Savante, actor (born 1970)
- 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)
- Reine Swart, actress, producer
- Charlize Theron, actress (born 1975)
- Pearl Thusi, actress, model, MC
- 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)
- Brümilda van Rensburg, actress (born 1956)
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)
- Gavin Hood, film director (born 1963), wrote and directed the Academy Award-winning Tsotsi (2005)
- Rob De Mezieres, film director and writer
- Mbongeni Ngema, playwright, actor, choreographer and director (born 1955)
- Michael Oblowitz film director
- Mthuli ka Shezi, playwright and political activist (1947–1972)
- Leon Schuster, filmmaker, comedian, actor and prankster (born 1951)
- Jamie Uys, film director (1921–1996)
Singers, musicians and 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 (1953–2019)
- 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
- Lira (singer), singer (born 1979)
- Winston Ngozi Mankunku, tenor sax player (1943–2009)
- Mahlathini, mbaqanga singer (1938–1999)
- Miriam Makeba, singer and civil rights activist (1932–2008)
- Manfred Mann, musician (born 1940)
- Hugh Masekela, jazz trumpeter and singer (1939–2018)
- Gwendolyn Masin, violinist, author, pedagogue (born 1977)
- Dave Matthews, leader of the Dave Matthews Band (born 1967)
- Ray Phiri, jazz, fision and mbhaqanga musician (1947–2017)
- 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 (1941–2020)
- Shaun Morgan, lead singer of the award-winning band Seether (born c. 1978)
- 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
- Jason van Wyk, musician, composer, producer (born 1990)
- Yolandi Visser, rapper, performance artist, band member of Die Antwoord
- Kevin Volans, classical composer
Models, socialites and media personalities
- Jani Allan, radio personality, journalist (born 1953)
- Gina Athans, model, international socialite (born 1984)
- Riaan Cruywagen, TV news reader (born 1945)
- Trevor Denman, horse racing announcer (born 1952)
- Minnie Dlamini, TV presenter, TV personality, model and actress
- Watkin Tudor Jones (Ninja) singer, rapper, actor, director (born 1974)
- Alan Khan, radio and television personality (born 1971)
- Caspar Lee, YouTube personality and actor (born 1994)
- Megan McKenzie, model (born 1980)
- Jeremy Maggs, journalist, radio host and television presenter (born 1961)
- Jeremy Mansfield, radio and TV personality
- Maps Maponyane, media socialite, model and actor
- Trevor Noah, comedian, actor, radio- and television host (born 1984)
- Debora Patta, broadcast journalist and television producer (born 1964)
- Tanit Phoenix, Sports Illustrated model and actress (born 1984)
- Lunga Shabalala, TV presenter, model and actor (born 1989)
- Linda Sibiya, radio personality, radio producer, television host, television producer and broadcaster.
- Troye Sivan, YouTube personality, actor and singer (born 1995)
- Reeva Steenkamp. model (1983–2013)
- Candice Swanepoel, Victoria's Secret model (born 1988)
- Charlize Theron, actress, film producer (born 1975)
- Yolandi Visser singer, rapper, actor.
- Minki van der Westhuizen, model and TV presenter (born 1984)
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)
- Maggie Laubser, painter (1886–1973)
- 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)
Photographers
- Kevin Carter (1961–1994)
- Ernest Cole (1940–1990)
- Caroline Gibello (born 1974)
- David Goldblatt, photographer (1930–2018)
- 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
- Herbert Baker (1862–1946)
- Gerard Moerdijk (1890–1958)
Business
- Raymond Ackerman, businessman (born 1931)
- Barney Barnato, mining magnate (1852–1897)
- Roelof Botha, is a venture capitalist and company director.
- David Brink, businessman (born 1939)
- John Fairbairn, founder of Mutual Life
- Vanessa Gounden, South Africa's richest businesswoman (born 1961)
- Morris Kahn, Israeli billionaire, founder and chairman of Aurec Group (born 1930)[2]
- Sol Kerzner, hotel magnate (1935–2020)
- Basetsana Kumalo, former Miss South Africa, presenter and businesswoman (born 1974)
- Richard Maponya, richest business man, former owner of Maponya Mall; founder and first president of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) (1920–2020)
- Stan Medalie, CEO of Leonmed Investments
- Sammy Marks, businessman (1844–1920)
- Bridgette Motsepe, businesswoman (born 1960)
- Patrice Motsepe, businessman (born 1962)
- Elon Musk, Internet and space launch entrepreneur (born 1971)
- Phiwa Nkambule, Co-founder and CEO of Riovic, founder of Cybatar (born 1992)
- 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)
- George Rex, pioneer entrepreneur of the Southern Cape (1765–1839)
- 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)
- Nicky Newton-King, first female CEO of JSE from 2012–2019 (born 1966)
Legal, police and military
Dr Beric Croome addressing the "100 years of Taxation in South Africa" conference at University of Cape Town in 2014. Professor Roeleveld of UCT looks on.
- 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)
- Beric John Croome, Chartered Accountant (South Africa), Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, PhD, tax law author and pioneer in taxpayers' rights in South Africa (1960-2019)
- 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)
- Richard Mdluli, head of Police Crime Intelligence (born May 1958)
- Mogoeng Mogoeng, Chief Justice of South Africa (born 1961)
- Phetogo Molawa, first black female helicopter pilot in the South African Air Force and the South African National Defence Force
- 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)
- Riah Phiyega, national police commissioner
- Albie Sachs, justice in constitutional court (born 1935)
- Harry Heinz Schwarz, lawyer (1924–2010)
- Jackie Selebi, national commissioner of police (1950–2015)
- Thembile Skweyiya, South African Constitutional Court judge (1939–2015)
- 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)
- Barry Roux, defence advocate who has represented Oscar Pistorius, Dave King and Lothar Neethling
Political
Activists and trade unionists
- Zackie Achmat, AIDS activist (born 1962)
- Neil Aggett, political activist and trade unionist (c. 1953–1982)
- Abdul Kader Asmal, South African politician (1934–2011)
- Abu Baker Asvat, founding member of Azapo (1943–1989)
- Zainab Asvat, South African anti-apartheid activist (1920–2013)
- Jeremy Baskin, trade unionist (born 1956)
- Edward Bhengu, founder member of the PAC (1934–2010)
- Steve Biko, nonviolent political activist (1946–1977)
- Amina Cachalia, South African anti-Apartheid activist, women's rights activist, and politician (1930–2013)
- Ismail Ahmed Cachalia, South African political activist and a leader of Transvaal Indian Congress and the African National Congress (1908-2003)
- Fort Calata, political activist and one of The Cradock Four (1956–1985)
- James Calata, political activist and ANC secretary (1895–1983)
- Collins Chabane, South African Minister of Public Service and Administration (1960–2015)
- Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo, South African Communist and an anti-apartheid activist (1909–1983)
- Nosipho Dastile, community and anti-Apartheid activist (1938–2009)
- Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, political activist (born 1930)
- Lilian Diedricks, South African activist(born 1925)
- Lucinda Evans, women's right activist (born 1972)
- Ruth First, South African anti-apartheid activist, scholar and wife to Joe Slovo (1925–1982)
- Pregs Govender, human rights activist, former ANC MP, anti-apartheid campaigner (born 1960)
- Irene Grootboom, housing rights activist (c. 1969–2008)
- Denis Goldberg, political activist (born 1933)
- John Gomomo, South African Unionist and activist (1945–2008)
- Matthew Goniwe, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1946–1985)
- Joe Nzingo Gqabi, political activist (1929–1981)
- Josiah Tshangana Gumede, political activist (1867–1946)
- Harry Gwala, revolutionary leader in the African National Congress and South African Communist Party (1920–1995)
- Chris Hani, political activist (1942–1993)
- Ruth Hayman, anti-apartheid campaigner (died 1981)
- Bavelile Gloria Hlongwa, was a South African chemical engineer and politician (1981–2019)
- Bantu Holomisa, political activist (born 1955)
- Helen Joseph, anti-apartheid activist (1905–1992)
- Mthuli ka Shezi, South African playwright, political activist (1947–1972)
- Ahmed Kathrada, political activist (1929–2017)
- Philip Kgosana, political activist (1936–2017)
- Moses Kotane, anti-apartheid activist (1907–1978)
- Ellen Kuzwayo, political activist (1914–2006)
- Anton Lembede, political activist (1914–1947)
- Moses Mabhida, anti-apartheid activist (1923–1986)
- Phakamile Mabija, anti-apartheid activist (died 1977)
- Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, political activist and former 2nd wife to Nelson Mandela (1936–2018)
- Zacharias Richard Mahabane, political activist (1881–1971)
- Solomon Mahlangu, Umkhonto we Sizwe operative (1956–1979)
- Vusumzi Make, political activist (1931–2006)
- Sefako Makgatho, political activist (1861–1951)
- Mbuyisa Makhubo, anti-Apartheid activist (born 1957/1958)
- Clarence Makwetu, political activist (1928–2016)
- Adolph Malan, fighter pilot and civil rights activist (1910–1963)
- Zollie Malindi, political activist (1924–2008)
- Nelson Mandela, political activist and first President of South Africa (1918–2013)
- Isaac Lesiba Maphotho, political activist (1931–2019)
- Jafta Jeff Masemola, political activist (1929–1990)
- Tsietsi Mashinini, South African anti-Apartheid activis and student leader of the Soweto Uprising in June 16, 1976 (1957–1990)
- Joe Matthews, political activist and son of ZK Matthews (1929–2010)
- Florence Matomela, South African anti-pass law activist (1910–1969)
- Z. K. Matthews, political activist (1901–1968)
- Seth Mazibuko, youngest member of the South African Students' Organisation that planned and led the Soweto uprising
- Epainette Mbeki, political activist, mother of Thabo Mbeki and wife to Govan Mbeki (1916–2014)
- Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of Thabo Mbeki (1910–2001)
- Robert McBride, anti-apartheid assassin and later police chief (born 1963)
- A. P. Mda, co-founder of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (1916–1993)
- Fatima Meer, scientist and political activist (1928–2010)
- Raymond Mhlaba, political activist and the former Premier of the Eastern Cape (1920–2005)
- Sicelo Mhlauli, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1952–1985)
- Vuyisile Mini, unionist and Umkhonto we Sizwe activist (1920–1964)
- Sparrow Mkhonto, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1951–1985)
- Wilton Mkwayi, political activist (1923–2004)
- Andrew Mlangeni, political activist (born 1925)
- Thamsanga Mnyele, anti-apartheid (1948–1985)
- Joe Modise, political activist (1929–2001)
- Thabo Edwin Mofutsanyana, political activist (1899–1995)
- Mapetla Mohapi, political activist (1947–1976)
- Ruth Mompati, political activist (1925–2015)
- James Moroka, political activist (1891–1985)
- Caroline Motsoaledi, political activist and wife to Elias Motsoaledi (c.–2015)
- Elias Motsoaledi, political activist (1924–1994)
- Zephania Mothopeng, political activist (1913–1990)
- Oscar Mpetha, political activist and unionist (1909–1994)
- Griffiths Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1935–1981)
- Victoria Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1942–1985)
- Rahima Moosa, anti-apartheid activist (1922–1993)
- Moosa Moolla, political activist (born 1934)
- Monty Naicker, medical doctor and a South African anti-apartheid activist of Indian Tamil descent (1910–1978)
- Billy Nair, political activist (1929–2008)
- Lilian Ngoyi, anti-apartheid activist (1911–1980)
- Looksmart Ngudle, political activist (1922–1963)
- Vernon Nkadimeng, political activist (1958–1985)
- Duma Nokwe, political activist (1927–1978)
- Alfred Nzo, political activist (1925–2000)
- Albert Nzula, political activist (1905–1934)
- Abdullah Mohamed Omar , anti-Apartheid activist and lawyer (1934–2004)
- Aziz Pahad, political activist (born 1940)
- Essop Pahad, political activist (born 1939)
- Sabelo Phama, revolutionary (1949–1994)
- Sol Plaatje, political activist (1876–1932)
- John Nyathi Pokela, political activist (1922/1923–1985)
- Maggie Resha, political activist and wife of Robert Resha (1923–2003)
- Robert Resha, political activist (1920–1978)
- Walter Rubusana, first deputy president of the ANC (1856–1936)
- Jackie Sedibe, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Major General and politician activist and wife to Joe Modise (born 1945)
- Molefi Sefularo, Deputy Minister of Health (1957–2010)
- James Seipei, teenage United Democratic Front (UDF) activis (1974–1989)
- Reggie September, activist (1923–2013)
- Archie Sibeko, political activist and trade unionist (1928–2018)
- David Sibeko, South Africa politian and journalist (1938–1979)
- Letitia Sibeko, political activist and wife to Archie Sibeko (1930–??)
- Jack Simons, political activist (1907–1995)
- Rachel Simons, communist and trade unionist and wife to Jack Simons (1914–2004)
- Albertina Sisulu, political activist and wife of Walter Sisulu (1919–2011)
- Walter Sisulu, political activist (1912–2003)
- Zola Skweyiya, political activist (1942–2018)
- Joe Slovo, South African politician, and an opponent of the apartheid system (1926–1995)
- Robert Sobukwe, political activist and founder of PAC (1924–1978)
- Veronica Sobukwe, political activist and wife to Robert Sobukwe (1927–2018)
- Makhenkesi Stofile, political activist (1944–2016)
- Adelaide Tambo political activist and wife to Oliver Tambo (1929–2007)
- Oliver Tambo, political activist (1917–1993)
- Ahmed Timol, anti-apartheid activist, political leader and activist in the underground South African Communist Party (SACP) (1941–1971)
- Abram Onkgopotse Tiro, South African student political activist (1945–1974)
- Steve Tshwete, political activist (1938–2002)
- Ben Turok, anti-apartheid activist and Economics Professor (1927–2019)
- Zwelinzima Vavi, former general secretary of COSATU, and Trade union leader SAFTU (born 1962)
- Khoisan X, political activist (1955–2010)
- Alfred Xuma, political activist and ANC president (1893–1962)
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 (1936–2016)
- 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 (1934–2011)
- 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)
- John Langalibalele Dube, founder and first president of ANC (1871–1946)
- Abba Eban, Israeli diplomat and politician, and President of the Weizmann Institute of Science (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 (1936–2018)
- 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)
- Ruth First-Slovo, political activist and wife to Joe Slovo (1924–1982)
- 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, former 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)
- Tom 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)
- Cyril Ramaphosa, 5th post-apartheid President of South Africa (born 1952)
- 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)
Provincial premiers
- Nosimo Balindlela, 3rd Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1949)
- Lynne Brown, (interim) 6th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1961)
- Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, 2nd Premier of the Free State (1937–2009)
- Grizelda Cjiekella, (acting) Premier of the Northern Cape (1970–2012)
- Manne Dipico, 1st Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1959)
- Winkie Direko, 3rd Premier of the Free State (1929–2012)
- Noxolo Kiviet, 5th Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1963)
- Hernus Kriel, 1st Premier of the Western Cape (1941–2015)
- Hazel Jenkins, 3rd Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1960)
- Mosiuoa Lekota, 1st Premier of the Free State (born 1948)
- Sylvia Lucas, 4th Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1964)
- David Mabuza, 4th Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1960)
- Ace Magashule, 5th Premier of the Free State (born 1959)
- Supra Mahumapelo, 5th Premier of North West (born 1968)
- David Makhura, 6th Premier of Gauteng (born 1968)
- Thabang Makwetla, 3rd Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1957)
- Peter Marais, 3rd Premier of the Western Cape (born 1948)
- Beatrice Marshoff, 4th Premier of the Free State (born 1957)
- Paul Mashatile, 4th Premier of Gauteng (born 1961)
- Stanley Mathabatha, 5th Premier of Limpopo (born 1957)
- Cassel Mathale, 4th Premier of Limpopo (born 1961)
- Senzo Mchunu, 6th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1958)
- Willies Mchunu, 7th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1948)
- Frank Mdlalose, 1st Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1931)
- Raymond Mhlaba, 1st Premier of the Eastern Cape (1920–2005)
- Zweli Mkhize, 5th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1956)
- Thandi Modise, 4th Premier of North West (born 1959)
- Maureen Modiselle, 3rd Premier of North West (born 1941)
- Job Mokgoro, 6th Premier of North West (born 1948)
- Nomvula Mokonyane, 5th Premier of Gauteng (born 1963)
- Popo Molefe, 1st Premier of North West (born 1952)
- Edna Molewa, 2nd Premier of North West (1957–2018)
- Sello Moloto, 3rd Premier of Limpopo (born 1964)
- Gerald Morkel, 2nd Premier of the Western Cape (1941–2018)
- Mathole Motshekga, 2nd Premier of Gauteng (born 1949)
- Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, 5th Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1972/73)
- S'bu Ndebele, 4th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1948)
- Ben Ngubane, 2nd Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1941)
- Sisi Ntombela, 6th Premier of the Free State (born 1956/1957)
- Dipuo Peters, 2nd Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1960)
- Mathews Phosa, 1st Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1952)
- Ngoako Ramathlodi, 1st Premier of Limpopo (born 1955)
- Leonard Ramatlakane, (acting) Premier of the Western Cape (born 1953)
- Ebrahim Rasool, 5th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1962)
- Zamani Saul, 5th Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1972)
- Tokyo Sexwale, 1st Premier of Gauteng (born 1953)
- Mbhazima Shilowa, 3rd Premier of Gauteng (born 1958)
- Mbulelo Sogoni, 4th Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1966)
- Makhenkesi Stofile, 2nd Premier of the Eastern Cape (1944–2016)
- Marthinus van Schalkwyk, 4th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1959)
- Alan Winde, 8th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1965)
- Sihle Zikalala, 8th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1973)
- Helen Zille, 7th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1951)
Homelands leaders
- Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of KwaZulu (born 1928)
- Oupa Gqozo, President of Ciskei (born 1952)
- Gen. Bantu Holomisa, Prime Minister of Transkei (born 1955)
- Chief Thandatha Jongilizwe Mabandla, Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of Ciskei (born 1952)
- Dr. Enos John Mabuza, Chief Minister of KaNgwane (1939–1997)
- Rocky Malebane-Metsing, President of Bophuthatswana (1949–2016)
- Kgosi Lucas Mangope, Chief Councillor; Chief Minister and President of Bophuthatswana (1923–2018)
- Chief George Matanzima, Prime Minister of Transkei (1918–2000)
- Chief Kaiser Matanzima, Chief Minister; Prime Minister and President of Transkei (1915–2003)
- Edward Mhinga, acting Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1927–2017)
- Kenneth Mopeli, Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of Qwaqwa (1930–2014)
- Chief Patrick Mphephu, Chief Minister and the President of Venda (1924–1988)
- Hudson William Edison Ntsanwisi, Chief of Minister of Gazankulu (1920–1993)
- Samuel Dickenson Nxumalo, Chief Minister of Gazankulu (born 1926)
- Dr. Cedric Phatudi, Chief Minister of Lebowa (1912–1987)
- Gabriel Ramushwana, Head of State of Venda (1941–2015)
- Lt. Gen. Charles Sebe, acting Chief Minister of Ciskei
- Lennox Sebe, Chief Minister and President of Ciskei (1926–1994)
- Chief Botha Sigcau, President of Transkei and father of Stella Sigcau (c. –1979)
- Stella Sigcau, Prime of Transkei (1937–2006)
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)
- Ingwenyama Mayitjha III, 7th Ndebele king of Ndzundza-Mabhoko (1947–2005)
- 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)
- Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, Aa! Zwelibanzi! King of the abaThembu (born 1964)
- Sabata Dalindyebo, Aa! Jonguhlanga! King of the abaThembu (1928–1986)
- Faku kaNgqungqushe, Mpondo king (1780–1867)
- Langalibalele, Hlubi king (1814–1889)
- Ngqungqushe kaNyawuza, Mpondo king (1715/1760–1810/1815)
- Mgolombane Sandile, Aa! Mgolombane! Xhosa king of Rharhabes (1820–1878)
- Maxhob'ayakhawuleza Sandile, Aa! Zanesizwe! Xhosa king of Rharhabes (1956–2011)
- Xolilizwe Mzikayise Sigcawu, Aa! Xolilizwe! Xhosa king of Gcalekas (1926–2005)
- Zwelonke Sigcawu, Aa! Zwelonke! Xhosa king of Gcalekas (1968–2019)
- 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 (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 ka Khawuta, Aa! Zanzolo! amaXhosa chief of Gcalekas (1789–1835)
- Khawuta kaGcaleka, amaXhosa chief of Gcalekas (c. 1761–1804)
- Chief Albert Luthuli, Zulu chief and political activist (1898–1967)
- Adam Kok, Griqua leader (1811–1875)
- David Stuurman, Khoi chief and political activist (1773–1830)
- Thandatha Jongilizwe Mabandla, amaBhele chief, Tyume Valley, Alice, Ciskei (born 1926)
- Makhanda, amaXhosa prophet (died 1820)
- Maqoma, Aa! Jongumsobomvu! amaRharhabe chief (1798–1873)
- Chief Mqalo, Amakhuze chief, Ciskei region (1916–2008)
- Moshoeshoe I, Basotho chief (c. 1786–1870)
- Ngubengcuka, Aa! Ndaba! prominent chief of the Thembu amaXhosa (died 1832)
- Nongqawuse, millennialist amaXhosa prophetess (c. 1840–1898)
- Sarili kaHintsa, Aa! Kreli! amaXhosa chief of Gcalekas (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)
- Nicholas Bhengu, evangelist and founder of Assemblies of God (1909–1986)
- 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)
- Ahmed Deedat (1918–2005)
- 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)
- Andrew Murray (1828–1917)
- 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
Conservationists
- Ian Player (born 1927)
- James Stevenson-Hamilton (1867–1957)
- John Varty (born 1950)
Travelers, adventurers and pioneers
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- 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
- Saray Khumalo, explorer and mountaineer
Criminals
- Daisy de Melker, murderer (1886–1932)
- William Foster, leader of the Foster Gang
- Bulelani Mabhayi, serial killer
- Nicholas Lungisa Ncama, a rapist and serial killer
- Butana Almond Nofomela, murder
- Gert van Rooyen, paedophile (died 1990)
- Schabir Shaik, convicted fraudster
- Moses Sithole, convicted serial rapist and murderer (born 1964)
- Rashied Staggie, crime boss
- Andre Stander, gang member (1946–1984)
- Thozamile Taki, serial killer
- Dorethea van der Merwe, first woman to be hanged for murder under the Union of South Africa
- Bulelani Vukwana, spree killer (c. 1973–2002)
- Elias Xitavhudzi, serial killer
Other
- Sir Herbert Baker, influential in South African architecture (1862–1946)
- Denise Darvall, donor for the first human heart transplant (1943–1967)
- Emily Hobhouse, British 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)
- Isabel Jean Jones, consumer advocate journalist (died 2008)
- 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, Australian Boer War soldier executed by the British Army (1864–1902)
- Napoléon Eugène, last of Napoleons who died in Zulu war (1856–1879)
- Hastings Ndlovu, poster victim of the Soweto riots (1961–1976)
- Hector Pieterson, poster victim of the Soweto riots (1964–1976)
- Mrs. Ples, hominid fossil (born c. 2.6 to 2.8 million years ago)
- Raymond Rahme, first African to reach a final table at a World Series of Poker Main Event, finishing third (born 1945)
- 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)
- Asnath Mahapa, first female South African pilot
- Ncoza Dlova, first black female head of University of KwaZulu-Natal's School of Clinical Medicine
See also
- List of South African office-holders
- List of Xhosa people
- List of Zulu people
- List of people by nationality
- SABC3's Great South Africans, television program listing the 100 greatest South Africans as voted for by viewers
- List of White Africans
- They shaped our century, survey by Media24 in 1999 about 100 most influential South Africans (and people associated with South Africa) of the twentieth century
References
- ^ Anonymous (17 February 2011). "Dr. Benedict Wallet Vilakazi". South African History Online. Archived from the original on 20 December 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
- ^ "Jewish Report : Lieberman being sidelined as Israeli foreign minister" (PDF). Sajr.co.za. 10 July 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2017.