Something Beautiful Out of South Africa

Anthony Rupert was one of the most popular businessmen, conservationists and philanthropists in South Africa. He was born on October 4, 1916 in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa where he also spent his boyhood. He founded the Rembrandt Group, a tobacco manufacturing conglomerate. Rupert oversaw the Group’s transition into luxury goods later.

At the height of the “Verwoerd must go” campaign, Rupert emerged as a possible replacement for the position of Prime Minister. The National Party was looking for someone who would improve the reputation of South Africa internationally. The National Party thought his “moderate” image can unify South Africa.

For six decades, Rupert built a business empire out of a investment of £10 only in 1941. Eventually, Rupert was named to the Forbes’ list of the 500 wealthiest families in the world. He died on January 18, 2006. At time, his fortunes were estimated to stand at $1.7 billion.