Anton Rupert
| Anton Rupert | |
|---|---|
| Born |
4 October 1916 Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Died | 18 January 2006 (aged 89) Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Alma mater | University of Pretoria |
| Occupation | Businessman, conservationist, philanthropist |
| Net worth | US$2.3 billion |
| Spouse(s) | Huberte Goote |
Anthony Edward Rupert (4 October 1916 – 18 January 2006) was a South African billionaire businessman, philanthropist, and conservationist. He was born and raised in the small town of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape. He studied in Pretoria and ultimately moved to Stellenbosch, where he established the Rembrandt Group and where it still has its headquarters. He died in his sleep at his home in Thibault Street, Stellenbosch at the age of 89, and is survived by a son Johann, a daughter Hanneli and five grandchildren. His wife and his youngest son, Anthonij, pre-deceased him.
In 1966, he was mentioned as a possible candidate for Prime Minister as a part of a "Verwoerd must go" campaign. The Cape Province section of the ruling National Party endorsed Rupert over Verwoerd, citing the need to improve South Africa's international standing and Rupert's image as a "moderate" who could unify the country. Verwoerd was assassinated within one month, and hardliner John Vorster was endorsed by the NP caucus to replace him; he was to become South Africa's longest consecutive-serving head of government.
According to his biography, Rupert's business career spanned over sixty years. He started his global empire with a personal investment of just £10 in 1941 becoming named on the Forbes list of 500 wealthiest families worldwide. At the time of his death his assets were estimated at $1.7 billion.
After dropping out of medical school due to a lack of funds, Rupert earned a chemistry degree at the University of Pretoria, where he also lectured for a short while. Subsequently, he started a dry-cleaning business.
Some time later, with an initial investment of GBP 10 and together with two fellow investors, he started manufacturing cigarettes in his garage, which he eventually built into the tobacco and industrial conglomerate Rembrandt Group, overseeing its transition to the industrial and luxury branded goods sectors, with Rembrandt eventually splitting into Remgro (an investment company with financial, mining and industrial interests) and Richemont (a Swiss-based luxury goods group). Currently, this business empire encompasses hundreds of companies located in 35 countries on six continents, with combined yearly net sales in the region of US$10 billion.
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