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Latest Africa’s Richest Man Is A School Drop Out
It is no longer news that Forbes Magazine declared South African billionaire, Johann Rupert, “Africa’s richest man,” on Friday June 16, 2023.
With the feat, he displaced Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote, who has held that title for 10 years at a stretch.
Interestingly, Dangote could only surrender the title because a tweak in monetary policies at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). When the CBN opted to auction the dollar at a relatively lower rate than the official market price, Dangote’s net worth took a dip.
It was gathered that the CBN sold the dollar almost 30 percent cheaper.
The declaration saw Forbes real-time Global Billionaires Ranking peg Rupert’s net worth at $12 billion, while Dangote’s stood at $10.8 billion.
Find below some salient facts that might interest you about reigning Africa’s richest man.
1. He was born into wealth, being the first child of business tycoon Anton Rupert and his wife, Hurberte. He arrived the earth on June 1, 1950, in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
2. The 73-year old, dropped out of the University of Stellenbosch, where he was studying Economics and Company Law in quest of a career in business.
3. Interestingly, the same university bestowed on him an honorary degree in Economics in 2004. The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University added a feather to his cap with an honorary doctorate degree in 2008.
4. He is married to Gaynor Rupert, with whom he has three children, Anton Ruper Jr., Caroline Rupert, and Hanneli Rupert.
5. Upon his return to SA in 1979, he founded the Rand Merchant Bank where he remained CEO until 1984 when the company merged to form RMB Holdings.
6. When he left the Rand Merchant Bank, he linked with his father’s cigarette manufacturing company, Rembrandt Group, founded in 1948.
7. In 1988, Rupert founded Compagnie Financiere Richemont, a Switzerland-based luxury goods holding company. In the same year, he was appointed Non-Executive Director of Rothmans International plc and was also honoured by the Sunday Times as the “Businessman of the Year.”
8. In 1989, Rupert became the vice chairman of his father’s company and was made chairman of the same company, Rembrandt Group Limited, in 1991.
9. He became the Non-Executive Chairman of Gold Fields South Africa Ltd in 1997.
10. Africa’s richest man, Rupert is a known golf enthusiast. His passion for the game saw him set up the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in 1990. He has been using the foundation to address social issues through sports and has helped with about 675 projects across the world.
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
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“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.
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