# List of South Africans

This is a list of notable and famous South Africans who are the subjects of Wikipedia articles.

## Academics
### Academics

* Shulamith Behr, art historian (1946–2023)
* Estian Calitz, academic (born 1949)
* Jakes Gerwel, academic and anti-apartheid activist (1946–2012)
* Adam Habib, political scientist (born 1965)
* Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, academic and politician (1894–1948)
* Thamsanqa Kambule, South African Mathematician and Educator (1921–2009)
* Tshilidzi Marwala, academic and businessman (born 1971)
* Revil Mason, archeologist (1929–2020)
* Shula Marks, historian (born 1938)
* Njabulo Ndebele, Principal of the University of Cape Town (born 1948)
* D. C. S. Oosthuizen, philosopher (1926–1968)
* Adriaan N. P. Pelzer, historian and Vice-Principal University Pretoria (1915–1981)
* Michiel Daniel Overbeek, South African amateur astronomer and prolific variable star observers (1920–2001)
* 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)
* Milton Shain, academic and professor of Modern Jewish history at the University of Cape Town (born 1949)
* Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, author, educator, and first black South African to receive a PhD (1906–1947)
* Peter Booth Tymms, education scholar, academician, and researcher
* 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 in the Cape Colony (1867–1936)
* Mary Malahlela, first black woman to register as a medical doctor in South Africa (1916–1981)
* Joan Morice, first female veterinary surgeon in South Africa (1904–1944)
* Anna Coutsoudis, public health scientist (born 1952)
* 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 (1934–2023)
* Wilhelm Bleek, linguist (1827–1875)
* Robert Broom, palaeontologist (1866–1951)
* Sydney Brenner, biologist, 2002 Physiology or Medicine Nobel Prize winner (1927–2019)
* 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, sociologist, killed due to Soweto uprising (1919–1976)
* Wendy Foden, conservation biologist
* J. W. B. Gunning, zoologist (1860–1913)
* Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) (born 1960)
* Salim Abdool Karim, FRSSAf FRS South African epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist (born 1960)
* 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)

## Writers
### Authors

* Lady Anne Barnard, travel writer and artist (1750–1825)
* Herman Charles Bosman, author (1905–1951)
* André Brink, author (1935–2015)
* Justin Cartwright, novelist (1943–2018)
* J. M. 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)
* Alfred Hutchinson, South African author, teacher and activist (1924–1972)
* C. J. Langenhoven, writer and poet (1873–1932)
* Pule Lechesa, essayist, literary critic, and poet (born 1976)
* Kgotso Pieter David Maphalla, the Sesotho language writer (1955–2021)
* Dalene Matthee, author (1938–2005)
* Gcina Mhlope, author, storyteller, playwright, director, actor (born 1959)
* Deon Meyer, author (born 1958)
* Phaswane Mpe, novelist (1970–2004)
* Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, author and musician (born 1989)
* Alan Paton, author (1903–1988)
* Margaret Roberts, herbalist and writer (1937–2017)
* Karel Schoeman, novelist and historian (1939–2017)
* Olive Schreiner, author (1855–1920)
* Mongane Wally Serote, poet and writer (born 8 May 1944)
* Wilbur Smith, novelist (1933–2021)
* 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 1937)
* 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 (1939–2023)
* Jakob Daniël du Toit, poet a.k.a. Totius (1877–1953)
* Elisabeth Eybers, poet (1915–2007)
* Stephen Gray, writer and poet (1941–2020)
* Ingrid Jonker, poet (1933–1965)
* Moira Lovell, poet, playwright and literary critic (born 1951)
* Antjie Krog, poet, novelist and playwright (born 1952)
* Laurence Lerner, poet (1925–2016)
* Lucas Malan, Afrikaans academic and poet (1946–2010)
* Chris Mann, poet (1948–2021)
* Eugène Nielen Marais, poet, writer, lawyer and naturalist (1871–1936)
* Thomas Pringle, poet and journalist (1789–1834)
* N.S. Puleng, poet and author (born 1958)
* 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 (born 1949)
* Robyn Curnow, CNN television reporter and anchor
* John Charles Daly, television journalist, executive and game show host (1914–1991)
* Arnold S de Beer, journalist and academic (1942–2021)
* Frene Ginwala, journalist and politician (1932–2023)
* Arthur Goldstuck, journalist (born 1959)
* Niel Hammann, journalist (born 1937)
* Noni Jabavu, journalist, editor and first black South African woman to publish an autobiography (1919–2008)
* Archibald Campbell Jordan (1906–1968)
* Lara Logan, CBS television reporter/correspondent (born 1971)
* Peter Magubane, South African photographer (1932–2024)
* John Matisonn, print and radio journalist for both South African and United States broadcasters (born 1949)
* Zakes Mda, journalist (born 1948)
* Nathaniel Ndazana Nakasa, South African journalist and short story writer (1937–1965)
* Sam Nzima, South African photographer, who took the image of Hector Pieterson for the Soweto uprising (1934–2018)
* Henry Nxumalo, investigative journalist under apartheid (1917–1957)
* 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)
* Redi Tlhabi, journalist and broadcaster (born 1978)
* Eric Lloyd Williams, journalist and war correspondent (1915–1988)
* Donald Woods, journalist and anti-apartheid activist (1933–2001)

## Artists
### Performing artists
#### Actors and actresses

* Anel Alexander, actress, producer (born 1979)
* Lesley-Ann Brandt, South African born actress (born 1981), notable for her role as Mazikeen in the show Lucifer
* Ayanda Borotho, actress (born 1981)
* Ivan Botha, actor (born 1984)
* Kai Luke Brümmer, actor (born 1993)
* Presley Chweneyagae, actor (born 1984)
* Tarina Patel, actor (born 1986]
* Peter Cartwright, actor (1935–2013)
* Baby Cele, actress (born 1972)
* Sharlto Copley, actor, (District 9) (born 1973)
* Katlego Danke, actress (born 1978)
* Embeth Davidtz, actress (born 1965)
* Gopala Davies, actor and director (born 1988)
* Ryan de Villiers, actor (born 1992)
* Sindi Dlathu, actress (born 1974)
* Pallance Dladla, actor (born 1992)
* Lillian Dube, South African actress (born 1945)
* Vinette Ebrahim, actress (born 1957)
* Kim Engelbrecht, actress (born 1980)
* Willie Esterhuizen, actor
* Connie Ferguson, actress (born 1970)
* Shona Ferguson, actor (1972–2021)
* Brett Goldin, actor (1977–2006)
* Zoe Gail, actress (1920–2020)
* Gugu Gumede, actress (born 1991)
* Roxane Hayward, actress (born 1991)
* Hennie Jacobs, actor (born 1981)
* David James, actor, stage, television, and film actor (born 1972)
* Sid James, film and television actor (1913–1976)
* Glynis Johns, actress (1923–2024)
* Adhir Kalyan, actor (born 1983)
* Atandwa Kani, actor (born 1984)
* John Kani, actor, entertainer and writer (born 1943)
* Dawn Thandeka King, actress (born 1977)
* Shannon Kook (born 1987)
* Paballo Koza, actor (born 2002)
* Alice Krige, actress (born 1954)
* Deon Lotz, actor (born 1964)
* Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, actor (born 1960)
* Gail Mabalane, actress (born 1984)
* Joe Mafela, actor, writer and singer (1942–2017)
* Maps Maponyane, actor (born 1990)
* Warren Masemola, actor (born 1983)
* Khanyi Mbau, radio and television personality and actress (born 1985), notable for Happiness Is a Four-letter Word
* Nomzamo Mbatha, actress (born 1990)
* Michelle Mosalakae, actress (born 1994)
* Thuso Mbedu, actress (born 1991)
* Sean Michael, (born 1969)
* Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, actress (born 1988)
* Masoja Msiza, actor (born 1964)
* Patrick Mynhardt, actor (1932–2007)
* Themba Ndaba, actor (born 1965)
* Menzi Ngubane, actor (born 1967)
* Jessica Nkosi, actress (born 1990)
* Kenneth Nkosi, actor (born 1973)
* Winnie Ntshaba, actress (born 1975)
* Winston Ntshona, actor (1941–2018)
* Nandi Nyembe, South African actress (born 1950)
* 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
* Ama Qamata, actress (born 1998)
* Basil Rathbone, actor (1892–1967)
* Jo-anne Reyneke, actress (born 1988)
* Ian Roberts, actor, playwright, singer (born 1952)
* Angelique Rockas pioneer of multi-racial theatre in the UK (born 1951)
* Buhle Samuels
* Stelio Savante, actor (born 1970)
* Clive Scott, actor (1937–2021)
* Rapulana Seiphemo, actor (born 1967)
* Cliff Severn, actor (1925–2014)
* Raymond Severn, actor (1930–1994)
* Antony Sher, actor, author and painter (1949–2021)
* Cliff Simon, actor (1962–2021)
* William Smith, TV teacher and presenter (born 1939)
* Linda Sokhulu, actress (born 1976)
* Shaleen Surtie-Richards, actress (1955–2021)
* Janet Suzman, actress (born 1939)
* Reine Swart, actress, producer
* Charlize Theron, actress (born 1975)
* Pearl Thusi, actress, model, MC (born 1988)
* Siyabonga Thwala, actor (born 1969)
* Pieter-Dirk Uys, political satirist and entertainer (born 1945)
* Brümilda van Rensburg, actress (born 1956)
* Musetta Vander, actress (born 1969)
* Arnold Vosloo, actor (born 1962), The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, 24

#### Dancers

* Juliet Prowse, dancer (1936–1996)
* Bontle Modiselle, dancer (born 1990)

#### Playwrights and film directors

* Neill Blomkamp, director, District 9 (born 1979)
* Charles J. Fourie, playwright (born 1965)
* Athol Fugard, playwright (born 1932)
* Ronald Harwood, playwright and writer (1934–2020)
* Oliver Hermanus, film director and writer (born 1983)
* Gray Hofmeyr South African film director (born 1949)
* Gavin Hood, film director, wrote and directed the Academy Award-winning Tsotsi (2005) (born 1963)
* Rob De Mezieres, film director and writer
* Mbongeni Ngema, playwright, actor, choreographer and director (born 1955)
* Michael Oblowitz film director (born 1952)
* 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

* AKA Osiris Orion IV MCMXMM, Ryan Bisetty, Producer, singer, songwriter, dancer & global citizen (born 1986)
* AKA (rapper), South African Kiernan Forbes (1988–2023)
* Zain Bhikha, world-renowned singer-songwriter of the Nasheed genre
* Michael Blake, classical composer (born 1951)
* Johan Botha, opera singer (1965–2016)
* Al Bowlly, popular singer (1898–1941)
* Don Clarke, Singer-songwriter (born 1955)
* Johnny Clegg, musician (1953–2019)
* Mimi Coertse, opera singer (born 1932)
* Fanie de Jager, operatic tenor (born 1949)
* Lucky Dube, reggae singer (1964–2007)
* Brenda Fassie, anti-apartheid Afropop singer, songwriter, dancer and activist (1964–2004)
* Daniel Friedman ("Deep Fried Man"), musical comedian (born 1981)
* Steve Kekana, singer and songwriter (1958–2021)
* Jabu Khanyile, musician and lead vocalist (1957–2006)
* Claire Johnston, singer (born 1967)
* David Kramer, singer and playwright (born 1951)
* Clare Loveday, classical composer (born 1967)
* Lira (singer), singer (born 1979)
* Sipho Mabuse, singer (born 1951)
* Ringo Madlingozi, South African singer, songwriter, producer, and member of parliament (born 1964)
* Arthur Mafokate, kwaito musician and producer (born 1962)
* Winston Mankunku Ngozi, tenor sax player (1943–2009)
* Mahlathini, mbaqanga singer (1938–1999)
* Miriam Makeba, singer and civil rights activist (1932–2008)
* Rebecca Malope, multi-award-winning South African gospel singer (born 1968)
* Manfred Mann, musician (born 1940)
* Hugh Masekela, jazz trumpeter and singer (1939–2018)
* Gwendolyn Masin, violinist, author, pedagogue (born 1977)
* Lebo Mathosa, popular South African kwaito singer (1977–2006)
* Dave Matthews, leader of the Dave Matthews Band (born 1967)
* Shaun Morgan, lead singer of the award-winning band Seether (born 1978)
* Ray Phiri, jazz, fusion and Mbhaqanga musician (1947–2017)
* Aquiles Priester, drummer (born 1971)
* Rex Rabanye, jazz, fusion and soulful pop musician (1944–2010)
* Trevor Rabin, musician, composer, former member of progressive rock band Yes (born 1954)
* Koos Ras, comedian, singer, writer, composer (1928–1997)
* Charles Segal (pianist), composer, arranger, Guinness World Record holder (born 1929)
* Enoch Sontonga, composer of national anthem (1873–1905)
* Joseph Shabalala, founder and director of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (1941–2020)
* ZP Theart, singer, ex Dragonforce (born 1975)
* Costa Titch, Amapiano rapper and dancer (1995–2023)
* Hilda Tloubatla, lead singer of Mahotella Queens (born 1942)
* Watkin Tudor Jones, rapper, performance artist, band member of Die Antwoord (born 1974)
* Arnold van Wyk, classical composer (1916–1983)
* Yolandi Visser, rapper, performance artist, band member of Die Antwoord (born 1984)
* Amor Vittone, singer, performing artist and gold-disc recording artist (born 1972)
* Kevin Volans, classical composer (born 1949)

#### 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)
* Lasizwe Dambuza, television personality (born 1998)
* Belle Delphine, Social Media Personality (born 1999)
* Trevor Denman, horse racing announcer (born 1952)
* Minnie Dlamini, TV presenter, TV personality, model and actress (born 1990)
* Jade Fairbrother, model, fitness bikini competitor, Playboy Playmate (born 1986)
* Watkin Tudor Jones (Ninja) singer, rapper, actor, director (born 1974)
* Roxy Ingram, model (born 1982)
* Alan Khan, radio and television personality (born 1971)
* Caspar Lee, YouTube personality and actor (born 1994)
* Jeremy Maggs, journalist, radio host and television presenter (born 1961)
* Myra Manganye, South African Reality Competition titleholder
* Jeremy Mansfield, radio and TV personality
* Maps Maponyane, media socialite, model and actor (born 1990)
* Robert Marawa, sports journalist, television and radio personality (born 1973)
* Megan McKenzie, model (born 1980)
* 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)
* Lesego Tlhabi, comedian and satirist (as Coconut Kelz) (born 1988)
* Yolandi Visser singer, rapper, actor (born 1984)
* Minki van der Westhuizen, model and TV presenter (born 1984)
* Eddie Zondi, radio personality and music composer (1967–2014)

### 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)
* Tamlin Blake, mixed media artist (born 1974)
* 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 (1940–2011)
* William Kentridge, painter (born 1955)
* Maggie Laubser, painter (1886–1973)
* Neville Lewis, artist (1895–1972)
* Esther Mahlangu, painter (born 1935)
* Ernest Mancoba, avant-garde artist (1904–2002)
* Judith Mason, artist (1938–2016)
* Conor Mccreedy, artist (born 1987)
* Brett Murray, artist (born 1961)
* Charles Ernest Peers, painter (born 1875)
* George Pemba, visual artist (1912–2001)
* 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 (1932–2024)
* Jürgen Schadeberg (1931–2020)
* 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 (1931–2023)
* Barney Barnato, mining magnate (1852–1897)
* Roelof Botha, venture capitalist and company director (born 1973)
* David Brink, businessman (born 1939)
* John Fairbairn, founder of Mutual Life (1794–1864)
* Vanessa Gounden, South Africa's richest businesswoman (born 1961)
* Morris Kahn, Israeli billionaire, founder and chairman of Aurec Group (born 1930)
* Sol Kerzner, hotel magnate (1935–2020)
* Basetsana Kumalo, former Miss South Africa, presenter and businesswoman (born 1974)
* Gary Lubner (born 1958 or 1959), businessman and philanthropist
* 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)
* Sammy Marks, businessman (1844–1920)
* Nthato Motlana, prominent South African businessman, physician and anti-apartheid activist (1925–2008)
* Bridgette Motsepe, businesswoman (born 1960)
* Patrice Motsepe, businessman (born 1962)
* Elon Musk, Internet and space launch entrepreneur (born 1971)
* Nicky Newton-King, first female CEO of JSE from 2012 to 2019 (born 1966)
* Ratanang Nke, company CEO, director; Public Prosecutor (born 1975)
* 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)
* David O. Sacks, web entrepreneur (born 1972)
* Elliot Salkow, founder of Ellies Holdings, (1953–2021)
* Tokyo Sexwale, politician and businessman (born 1953)
* Mark Shuttleworth, web entrepreneur, founder of Thawte and Ubuntu Linux, space tourist (born 1973)
* Mlungisi Sisulu, South African business man (1948–2015)
* Shaka Sisulu, South African social and political activist, entrepreneur and media personality.

## Legal, police and military

* Lourens Ackermann, constitutional court judge (born 1934)
* Ismail Ayob, lawyer (born 1942)
* Vernon Berrangé, human rights advocate (1900–1983)
* George Bizos, lawyer (1927–2020)
* Louis Botha, Boer War General, captured Winston Churchill during the Second Boer War, also one of the signatories of the Treaty of Vereeniging (1862–1919)
* Annie Botha, philanthropist and civic leader, wife of Louis Botha
* Arthur Chaskalson, judge (1931–2012)
* 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)
* Garnet de la Hunt, the Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of South Africa, Vice-Chairman of the Africa Scout Committee, and South African World Scout Committee (1933–2014)
* 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)
* Johannes Geldenhuys, South African military commander (1935–2018)
* Ian Gleeson, South African Army officer (1934–2021)
* Richard Goldstone, ex-constitutional court judge (born 1938)
* Harold Hanson, advocate QC (1904–1973)
* John Hlophe,legal expect (1959)
* 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 (born 1937)
* Joel Joffe, Baron Joffe, CBE lawyer and Labour peer in the House of Lords (1932–2017)
* 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 1958)
* Dunstan Mlambo, Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa (born 1960)
* Mogoeng Mogoeng, Chief Justice of South Africa (born 1961)
* Yvonne Mokgoro, former justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa (1950–2024)
* 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
* Vejaynand Ramlakan, South African military commander (1957–2020)
* Barry Roux, defence advocate who has represented Oscar Pistorius, Dave King and Lothar Neethling (born 1955)
* 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)

## Political
### Activists and trade unionists

* Elizabeth 'Nanna' Abrahams, political activist and trade unionist (1925–2008)
* Zackie Achmat, AIDS activist (born 1962)
* Neil Aggett, political activist and trade unionist (1953–1982)
* Neville Alexander, revolutionary and proponent of a multilingual South Africa (1936–2012)
* 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)
* Frances Baard, trade unionist, organiser for the African National Congress Women's League and a Patron of the United Democratic Front (1909–1997)
* Esther Barsel, South African political activist, long-standing member of the South African Communist Party and wife to Hymie Barsel (1924–2008)
* Hymie Barsel, South African activist (1920–1987)
* Jeremy Baskin, trade unionist (born 1956)
* Jean Bernadt, anti-apartheid activist (1914–2011)
* Lionel Bernstein, anti-apartheid activist and political prisoner (1920–2002)
* Edward Bhengu, founder member of the PAC (1934–2010)
* Sibusiso Bengu, politician (born 1934)
* Steve Biko, nonviolent political activist (1946–1977)
* Sonia Bunting, journalist, political and anti-apartheid activist (1922–2001)
* Amina Cachalia, South African anti-Apartheid activist, women's rights activist, politician, and second wife of Yusuf Cachalia (1930–2013)
* Ismail Ahmed Cachalia, South African political activist and a leader of Transvaal Indian Congress and the African National Congress (1908–2003)
* Yusuf Cachalia, South African anti-apartheid activist (1915–1995)
* 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)
* Laloo Chiba, South African politician and revolutionary (1930–2017)
* Yusuf Dadoo, South African Communist and an anti-apartheid activist (1909–1983)
* Eddie Daniels, anti-apartheid activist (1928–2017)
* Nosipho Dastile, community and anti-Apartheid activist (1938–2009)
* Sophia De Bruyn, political activist (born 1938)
* Amina Desai, political prisoner (1920–2009)
* Lilian Diedericks, South African activist (1925–2021)
* Bettie du Toit, trade unionist, anti-apartheid activist and first wife of Yusuf Cachalia (1910–2002)
* Ebrahim Ebrahim, South African anti-apartheid activist (1937–2021)
* Colin Eglin, South African politician (1925–2013)
* Farid Esack, political activist and opposition to apartheid (born 1959)
* 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 (1933–2020)
* Arthur Goldreich, abstract painter and anti-apartheid (1929–2011)
* John Gomomo, South African Unionist and activist (1945–2008)
* Matthew Goniwe, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1946–1985)
* Zainunnisa Gool, anti-apartheid political and civil rights leader (1897–1963)
* Joe Nzingo Gqabi, political activist (1929–1981)
* Archibald Gumede, anti-apartheid activist, lawyer and politician (1914–1998)
* Josiah Tshangana Gumede, political activist (1867–1946)
* Harry Gwala, revolutionary leader in the African National Congress and South African Communist Party (1920–1995)
* Nkululeko Gwala, prominent member of the shackdwellers' social movement Abahlali baseMjondolo (died 2013)
* Alcott Skei Gwentshe, shopkeeper and political activist (died 1966)
* Bertha Gxowa, anti-apartheid, women's rights activist and trade unionist (1934–2010)
* Chris Hani, political activist (1942–1993)
* Harold Hanson, politician and advocate (1904–1973)
* Frederick John Harris, South African schoolteacher and anti-apartheid (1937–1965)
* Abdullah Haron, South African Muslim cleric and anti-apartheid activist (1924–1969)
* Ruth Hayman, anti-apartheid campaigner (1913–1981)
* Alexander Hepple, trade unionist, politician, anti-apartheid activist and author and the last leader of the original South African Labour Party (1904–1983)
* Bob Hepple, political activist, leader in the fields of labour law, equality and human rights (1934–2015)
* Bavelile Gloria Hlongwa, South African chemical engineer and politician (1981–2019)
* Bantu Holomisa, political activist (born 1955)
* Timothy Peter Jenkin, anti-apartheid activist, political prisoner and writer (born 1948)
* Helen Joseph, anti-apartheid activist (1905–1992)
* Mthuli ka Shezi, South African playwright, political activist (1947–1972)
* James Kantor, politician, lawyer and writer (1927–1974)
* Ahmed Kathrada, political activist (1929–2017)
* Philip Kgosana, political activist (1936–2017)
* Winnie Kgware, anti-Apartheid activist (1917–1998)
* Alice Kinloch (born 1863), human rights activist and writer
* Wolfie Kodesh, South African Communist party activist (1918–2002)
* Moses Kotane, anti-apartheid activist (1907–1978)
* Ashley Kriel, South African activist (1966–1987)
* Duma Kumalo, South African human rights activist and one of the Sharpeville Six (died 2006)
* Dumisani Kumalo, South African politician (1947–2019)
* Ellen Kuzwayo, political activist (1914–2006)
* Lennox Lagu, political activist (1938–2011)
* Stephen Bernard Lee, anti-apartheid and political prisoner (born 1951)
* 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)
* Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, South African politician (1962–2021)
* Zacharias Richard Mahabane, political activist (1881–1971)
* Mac Maharaj, political activist (born 1935)
* 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)
* Mosibudi Mangena, South Africa politician (born 1947)
* Isaac Lesiba Maphotho, political activist (1931–2019)
* J. B. Marks, politician activist (1903–1972)
* Jafta Masemola, political activist (1929–1990)
* Emma Mashinini, trade unionist and political leader (1929–2017)
* Tsietsi Mashinini, South African anti-Apartheid activist and student leader of the Soweto uprising on 16 June 1976 (1957–1990)
* Joseph Mathunjwa, Trade union leader and the head of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) (born 1965)
* Florence Matomela, South African anti-pass law activist (1910–1969)
* Joe Matthews, political activist and son of ZK Matthews (1929–2010)
* 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)
* Jean Middleton, anti-apartheid activist and wife to Harold Strachan (1928–2010)
* Clarence Mini, anti-apartheid activist (1951–2020)
* Vuyisile Mini, unionist and Umkhonto we Sizwe activist (1920–1964)
* Nomhlangano Beauty Mkhize, political activist, shop steward and wife to Saul Mkhize (1946–1977)
* Sparrow Mkhonto, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1951–1985)
* Wilton Mkwayi, political activist (1923–2004)
* Johnson Mlambo, political activist (1940–2021)
* Andrew Mlangeni, political activist (1925–2020)
* Thamsanga Mnyele, anti-apartheid (1948–1985)
* Billy Modise, political activist (1930–2018)
* Joe Modise, political activist (1929–2001)
* Thabo Edwin Mofutsanyana, political activist (1899–1995)
* Mapetla Mohapi, political activist (1947–1976)
* Yunus Mohamed, (sometimes Mahomed) South African lawyer and activist (1950–2008)
* Peter Mokaba, political activist (1959–2002)
* Priscilla Mokaba, political activist and mother of Peter Mokaba (died 2013)
* Ruth Mompati, political activist (1925–2015)
* Moosa Moolla, political activist (1934–2023)
* Strini Moodley, founding member of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa (1946–2006)
* Rahima Moosa, anti-apartheid activist (1922–1993)
* James Moroka, political activist (1891–1985)
* Zephania Mothopeng, political activist (1913–1990)
* Nthato Motlana, physician and anti-apartheid activist (1925–2008)
* Caroline Motsoaledi, political activist and wife to Elias Motsoaledi (died c.2015)
* Elias Motsoaledi, political activist (1924–1994)
* James Mpanza, political activist (1889–1970)
* Oscar Mpetha, political activist and unionist (1909–1994)
* Eric Mtshali, South African politician, trade unionist, and anti-apartheid activist (1933–2018)
* Griffiths Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1935–1981)
* Victoria Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1942–1985)
* George Naicker, anti-apartheid activist (1919–1998)
* Monty Naicker, South African anti-apartheid activist and medical doctor (1910–1978)
* Ama Naidoo, anti-apartheid activist (1908–1993)
* Naransamy Roy Naidoo, political (1901–1953)
* Billy Nair, political activist (1929–2008)
* Rita Ndzanga, anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist (1933–2022)
* Mary Ngalo, South African anti-apartheid activist and was also active in fighting for women's rights (died 1973)
* Lilian Ngoyi, anti-apartheid activist (1911–1980)
* Looksmart Ngudle, political activist (1922–1963)
* Joe Nhlanhla, African National Congress national executive and the former South African Minister of Justice (Intelligence Affairs) (1936–2008)
* John Nkadimeng, politician and anti-apartheid activist (1927–2020)
* Vernon Nkadimeng, political activist (1958–1985)
* Nkwenkwe Nkomo, SASO nine member
* William Frederick Nkomo, medical doctor, community leader, political activist and teacher (1915–1972)
* Duma Nokwe, political activist (1927–1978)
* Jabulile Nyawose, trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist (1948–1982)
* Alfred Nzo, political activist (1925–2000)
* Albert Nzula, political activist (1905–1934)
* Abdullah Mohamed Omar, anti-Apartheid activist and lawyer (1934–2004)
* Roy Padayachie, politician and Minister of Public Service and Administration of the Republic of South Africa (1950–2012)
* Aziz Pahad, political activist (born 1940)
* Essop Pahad, political activist (1939–2023)
* Sabelo Phama, revolutionary (1949–1994)
* Motsoko Pheko, politician, lawyer, author, historian, theologian and academic (1930–2024)
* Joyce Piliso-Seroke, South-African educator, activist, feminist and community organizer (born 1933)
* 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)
* Fabian Ribeiro, South African doctor and anti-apartheid activist (1933–1986)
* Florence Ribeiro, anti-apartheid activist and wife of Fabian Ribeiro (1933–1986)
* Walter Rubusana, first deputy president of the ANC (1856–1936)
* Albie Sachs, political activist (born 1935)
* Harry Schwarz, South African lawyer, statesman and long-time political opposition leader against apartheid in South Africa (1924–2010)
* 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) activist (1974–1989)
* Nimrod Sejake, labour leader in South Africa, leading member of the Congress of South African Trade Unions and secretary of the Iron Steel Workers (1920–2004)
* Dulcie September, South African anti-apartheid political activist (1935–1988)
* Reggie September, activist (1923–2013)
* Nomvuzo Shabalala, politician (1960–2020)
* Gertrude Shope, South African trade unionist and politician (born 1925)
* Gert Sibande, political activist (1907–1987)
* Archie Sibeko, political activist and trade unionist (1928–2018)
* David Sibeko, South Africa politician and journalist (1938–1979)
* Letitia Sibeko, political activist and wife to Archie Sibeko (1930–??)
* Joyce Nomafa Sikakane, South African journalist and activist (born 1943)
* Annie Silinga, South African anti-pass laws and anti-apartheid political activist (1910–1984)
* 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 (1918–2011)
* Walter Sisulu, political activist (1912–2003)
David Sipunzi, South African trade unionis (1960–2020)
* 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)
* Harold Strachan, anti-apartheid activist (1925–2020)
* Helen Suzman, South African anti-apartheid activist and politician (1917–2009)
* Isaac Bangani Tabata, political activist (1909–1990)
* Dora Tamana, South African anti-apartheid activist (1901–1983)
* Adelaide Tambo, political activist and wife to Oliver Tambo (1929–2007)
* Oliver Tambo, political activist (1917–1993)
* Selope Thema, South African political activist and leader (1886–1955)
* Mary Thipe, anti-apartheid and human rights activist (1917–2002)
* Mohammed Tikly, South African educator and struggle veteran (1939–2020)
* 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)
* Moses Twebe, South African politician (1916–2013)
* Zwelinzima Vavi, former general secretary of COSATU, and Trade union leader SAFTU (born 1962)
* Randolph Vigne, anti-apartheid activist (1928–2016)
* Sheila Weinberg, anti-apartheid activist (1945–2004)
* Myrtle Witbooi (1947–2023), South African labour activist
* AnnMarie Wolpe, sociologist, feminist, anti-apartheid activist and wife to Harold Wolpe (1930–2018)
* Harold Wolpe, lawyer, sociologist, political economist and anti-apartheid activist (1926–1996)
* Khoisan X, political activist (1955–2010)
* Alfred Xuma, political activist and ANC president (1893–1962)
* Tony Yengeni, anti-Apartheid activist (born 1954)

### Apartheid operatives

* Wouter Basson, apartheid scientist (born 1950)
* Dirk Coetzee, apartheid covert operative (1945–2013)
* Eugene de Kock, apartheid assassin (born 1949)
* 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

* 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 (1792–1864)
* 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, Chief Justice of South Africa and acting Governor-General (1873–1960)

### 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)
* Steve Biko, nonviolent political activist (1946–1977)
* 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)
* Albert Luthuli, President of the African National Congress, 1952–67 (1898–1967)
* Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, politician and second wife of Nelson Mandela (1936–2018)
* Trevor Manuel, minister of finance (born 1956)
* Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Parliamentary Leader for the opposition Democratic Alliance (born 1980)
* Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of Thabo Mbeki (1910–2001)
* Roelf Meyer, politician and businessman (born 1947)
* Raymond Mhlaba, political activist and the former Premier of the Eastern Cape (1920–2005)
* Vuyisile Mini, unionist and Umkhonto we Sizwe activist (1920–1964)
* Johnson Mlambo, political activist (1940–2021)
* 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)
* Walter Sisulu, political activist (1912–2003)
* 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)
* Robert Sobukwe, political activist and founder of PAC (1924–1978)
* Helen Suzman, politician (1917–2009)
* Oliver Tambo, political activist (1917–1993)
* Catherine Taylor, politician (1914–1992)
* Frederik van Zyl Slabbert, PFP opposition leader (1940–2010)
* Helen Zille, former DA opposition leader, former 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 (1936–2021)
* 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)
* Marthinus Prinsloo, 1st President of the Republic of Graaff-Reinet (1751–1825)
* 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)
* Hermanus Steyn, 1st and last President of the Republic of Swellendam (1743–1804)
* 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)
* Hazel Jenkins, 3rd Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1960)
* Noxolo Kiviet, 5th Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1963)
* Hernus Kriel, 1st Premier of the Western Cape (1941–2015)
* 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, 4th Premier of Limpopo (born 1957)
* Cassel Mathale, 3rd 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 (1931–2021)
* 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, 2nd Premier of Limpopo (born 1964)
* Gerald Morkel, 2nd Premier of the Western Cape (1941–2018)
* Mathole Motshekga, 2nd Premier of Gauteng (born 1949)
* Lionel Mtshali, 3rd Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (1935–2015)
* 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 (1941–2021)
* 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 (1928–2023)
* Prince Johannes Mkolishi Dlamini, chief executive officer of KaNgwane (1928–1988)
* Oupa Gqozo, President of Ciskei (born 1952)
* Gen. Bantu Holomisa, Prime Minister of Transkei (born 1955)
* Chief Thandathu Jongilizwe Mabandla, chief executive officer; Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of Ciskei (1926–2021)
* Dr. Enos John Mabuza, Chief Minister of KaNgwane (1939–1997)
* Prince James Mahlangu, Chief Minister of KwaNdebele (1953–2005)
* Rocky Malebane-Metsing, President of Bophuthatswana (1949–2016)
* Kgosi Lucas Mangope, chief executive officer; Chief Executive Councillor; Chief Minister and President of Bophuthatswana (1923–2018)
* Chief George Matanzima, Prime Minister of Transkei (1918–2000)
* King Kaiser Matanzima, Chief Minister; Prime Minister and President of Transkei (1915–2003)
* Edward Mhinga, acting Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1927–2017)
* Job Mokgoro, Administrator (Transitional Executive Council) of Bophuthatswana (born 1948)
* Kenneth Mopeli, Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of Qwaqwa (1930–2014)
* Chief Patrick Mphephu, chief executive officer; Chief Executive Councillor; Chief Minister and the President of Venda (1924–1988)
* King Tutor Vulindlela Ndamase, President of Transkei (1921–1997)
* Hudson William Edison Ntsanwisi, Chief of Minister of Gazankulu (1920–1993)
* Samuel Dickenson Nxumalo, Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1926–2017)
* Dr. Cedric Phatudi, Chief Minister of Lebowa (1912–1987)
* Nelson Ramodike, Chief Minister of Lebowa (died 2012)
* Gabriel Ramushwana, Head of State of Venda (1941–2015)
* Frank Ravele, Head of State of Venda (1926–1999)
* Lt. Gen. Charles Sebe, acting Chief Minister of Ciskei (died c.1991)
* Chief Lennox Sebe, Chief Minister and President of Ciskei (1926–1994)
* King Botha Sigcau, President of Transkei and father of Stella Sigcau (died c.1978)
* Stella Sigcau, Prime of Transkei (1937–2006)
* Tjaart van der Walt, Administrator Transitional Executive Council of Bophuthatswana (1934–2019)
* Mangisi Zitha, the last Chief Minister of KaNgwane

### Administrators of former provinces

* Cornelius Botha, 12th and last Administrator of the Natal Province (1932–2014)
* Stoffel Botha, 10th Administrator of the Natal Province (1929–1998)
* Radclyffe Cadman, 11th Administrator of the Natal Province (1924–2011)
* Dr Willem Adriaan Cruywagen, 10th Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1921–2013)
* Nicolaas Frederic de Waal, 1st Administrator of the Cape Province (1853–1932)
* Jim Fouché, 8th Administrator of the Orange Free State Province (1898–1980)
* Theo Gerdener, 8th Administrator of the Natal Province (1916–2013)
* Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, 3rd Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1894–1948)
* Gene Louw, 13th Administrator of the Cape Province (1931–2015)
* Nico Malan, 10th Administrator of the Cape Province
* William Nico, 7th Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1887–1967)
* Frans Hendrik Odendaal, 8th Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1898–1966)
* Denis Gem Shepstone, 6th Administrator of the Natal Province (1888–1966)
* Alfred Ernest Trollip, 7th Administrator of the Natal Province (1895–1972)
* Johannes Van Rensburg, 6th Administrator of the Orange Free State Province (1898–1966)
* Gideon Brand van Zyl, 5th Administrator of the Cape Province (1873–1956)
* Sir Cornelius Hermanus Wessels, 2nd Administrator of the Orange Free State Province (1851–1924)

## Royalty
### Kings, queens, princes and princesses

* Cetshwayo kaMpande, 4th Zulu king (1826–1884)
* Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon, 7th Zulu king (1924–1945)
* Goodwill Zwelethini, 8th king of the Zulu nation (1948–2021)
* Mantifombi Dlamini, wife of Goodwill Zweilithini and former Queen of Zulu nation (1956–2021)
* Mangosuthu Buthelezi, politician and a Zulu prince (1928–2023)
* Dingane kaSenzangakhona, 2nd Zulu king and half-brother of Shaka (1795–1840)
* Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, 5th Zulu king, not officially recognized (1868–1913)
* Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, Aa! Zwelibanzi! King of the Thembu (born 1964)
* Sabata Dalindyebo, Aa! Jonguhlanga! King of the Thembu (1928–1986)
* Faku kaNgqungqushe, King of the Mpondo (1780–1867)
* Hintsa ka Khawuta, Aa! Zanzolo! King of Xhosa Nation (1780–1835)
* Khawuta kaGcaleka, Aa! Khala! King of the Xhosa Nation (1761–1804)
* Langalibalele, Hlubi king (1814–1889)
* Ingwenyama Mayitjha II, 7th Ndebele, king of Ndzundza-Mabhoko (1947–2005)
* Magogo kaDinuzulu, Zulu princess and mother of Mangosuthu Buthelezi (1900–1984)
* Mampuru II, king of the Marota (or Bapedi) (died c.1883)
* Lwandile Matanzima, Aa! Zwelenkosi! King of the Western Thembu (1970/71–2010)
* Luzuko Matiwane, Aa! Zwelozuko! King of AmaMpondomise (born 1978)
* Maselekwane Modjadji, Balobedu's 1st Rain Queen (died 1854)
* 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)
* Mkabayi kaJama, Zulu princess and sister of Senzangakhona (1750–1843)
* Mpande, 3rd Zulu king and half-brother of Shaka (1798–1872)
* Mthimkhulu II, King of the AmaHlubi (1778–1818)
* Mzilikazi, king of the Matabele (1790–1868)
* Nandi, Mhlongo princess and mother of Shaka (1760–1827)
* Tutor Vulindlela Ndamase, Nyangelizwe! King of the Western Pondo (1921–1997)
* Ngqungqushe kaNyawuza, Mpondo King (1715/1760–1810/1815)
* Ngubengcuka, Aa! Vusani! prominent king of the abaThembu (died 1830)
* Nyabêla, King of the Ndzundza-Ndebele (1825/30 - 1902)
* Emma Sandile, Aa! Emma! Xhosa Princess and the daughter of King Sandile kaNgqika (1842–1892)
* Sandile kaNgqika, Aa! Mgolombane! Xhosa king of the Right Hand House of the Xhosa Nation (1820–1878)
* Zanesizwe Sandile, Aa! Zanesizwe! King of the Right Hand House of the Xhosa Nation (1956–2011)
* Noloyiso Sandile, Aa! Noloyiso! Zulu Princess and Rharhabe Regent Queen (1963–2020)
* Sarili kaHintsa, Aa! Krili! King Of The Xhosa Nation (c. 1810–1892)
* Botha Sigcau, Jongilizwe! King of the Eastern Pondo (died 1978)
* Xolilizwe Sigcawu, Aa! Xolilizwe! Xhosa King (1926–2005)
* Zwelonke Sigcawu, Aa! Zwelonke! Xhosa king (1968–2019)
* Sekhukhune, king of the Marota (or Bapedi) (1814–1882)
* Sekhukhune II, King of the Bapedi
* Sekwati, King of the Maroteng, more commonly known as the Bapedi people (1824–1861)
* Senzangakhona kaJama, Zulu king and father of Shaka (1762–1816)
* Shaka, founder of the Zulu nation (1787–1828)
* Solomon kaDinuzulu, 6th Zulu king, not officially recognized (1891–1933)
* Victor Thulare III, king of the Pedi (1980–2021)
* uZibhebhu kaMaphitha, Zulu prince and chief (1841–1904)

### Tribal leaders and prophets

See also: Gcaleka rulers, Rharhabe rulers Ndwandwe people, Xhosa Chiefs
* Bambatha kaMancinza, Zulu chief of the amaZondi clan and Bambatha Rebellion (1865–1906)
* 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, Aa! Jongilizwe! amaBhele chief, Tyume Valley, Alice, Ciskei (1926–2021)
* Makhanda, amaXhosa prophet (died 1819)
* Maqoma, Aa! Jongumsobomvu! amaRharhabe chief (1798–1873)
* Chief Mqalo, Amakhuze chief, Ciskei region (1916–2008)
* Moshoeshoe I, Basotho chief (c. 1786–1870)
* Nongqawuse, millennialist amaXhosa prophetess (c. 1840–1898)
* Ntsikana, amaXhosa prophet (1780–1821)
* Lennox Sebe, Chief of AmaNtinde (1926–1994)
* Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau, traditional leader of Lwandlolubomvu Traditional Council (1947–1996)
* Sigananda kaSokufa, Zulu aristocrat (c. 1815–1906)
* Hendrik Spoorbek, prophet and magician (died 1845)
* Mbongeleni Zondi, Zulu chief and great-grandson of Inkosi Bambatha kaMancinza (1969–2009)

## Atheists

* Zackie Achmat, AIDS activist, (born 1962)
* David Benatar, professor of philosophy (born 1966)
* Barry Duke, activist, journalist, editor of The Freethinker (born 1947)
* Nadine Gordimer, activist, writer, Nobel laureate (1923–2014)
* Chris Hani, politician (1942–1993)
* Ronnie Kasrils, politician (born 1938)
* Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of Thabo Mbeki (1910–2001)
* Jacques Rousseau, secular activist, social commentator (born 1971)
* Harold Rubin, visual artist, musician (1932–2020)
* Joe Slovo, politician (1926–1995)
* Lewis Wolpert, author, biologist, broadcaster (1929–2021)

## 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)
* David Jacobus Bosch, missiologist and theologian (1929–1992)
* Angus Buchan, evangelist (born 1947)
* Frank Chikane, cleric and anti-apartheid activist (born 1951)
* John William Colenso, Anglican bishop of Natal (1814–1883)
* Mvume Dandala, former presiding bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and a former head of the All Africa Conference of Churches (born 1951)
* 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)
* Edward Lekganyane, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader (1922–1967)
* Engenas Lekganyane, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) founder (1885–1948)
* 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)
* Enoch Mgijima, Xhosa prophet and evangelist (1868–1928)
* Robert Moffat, missionary, Bible translator and founder of Kuruman (1795–1883)
* Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Catholic priest (born 1939)
* Frederick Samuel Modise, founder of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (1914–1998)
* Glayton Modise, the International Pentecostal Holiness Church leader (1940–2016)
* Andrew Murray (1828–1917)
* Zithulele Patrick Mvemve, South African Roman Catholic bishop (1941–2020)
* Zithulele Patrick Mvemve, South African Roman Catholic bishop (1941–2020)
* Selby Mvusi, theologian and artist (1929–1967)
* Wilfrid Napier, cardinal of the Catholic Church (born 1941)
* Beyers Naudé, cleric and anti-apartheid activist (1915–2004)
* Jozua Naudé, pastor, school founder and co-founder of the Afrikaner Broederbond (1873–1948)
* Njongonkulu Ndungane, South African Anglican bishop and a former prisoner on Robben Island (born 1941)
* Carl Niehaus, theologian and former spokesman of South African president Nelson Mandela (born 1959)
* Albert Nolan, Catholic priest (1934–2022)
* Ntsikana, Christian Xhosa prophet, evangelist and hymn writer (1780–1821)
* John Philip, missionary (1775–1851)
* Barney Pityana, human rights lawyer and theologian (born 1945)
* Ambrose Reeves, Anglican bishop and opponent of Apartheid (1899–1980)
* [[Walter Rubusana, first deputy president of the ANC and cleric (1856–1936)
* David Russell, South African Anglican bishop (1938–2014)
* Isaiah Shembe, the Church of Nazareth founder (1865–1935)
* Benjamin Silinda, a founder of the Nazarene Revival (1925–2015)
* Tiyo Soga, Xhosa journalist, minister, translator, missionary evangelist, and composer of hymns (1829–1871)
* Desmond Tutu, cleric and Nobel Peace Prize winner (1931–2021)
* William Cullen Wilcox, missionary (1850–1928)

## Conservationists

* Ian Player (1927–2014)
* James Stevenson-Hamilton (1867–1957)
* John Varty (born 1950)

## Food

* Bertus Basson (born 1979)
* Karen Dudley (born 1968)
* Prue Leith (born 1940)
* Abigail Mbalo-Mokoena
* Jenny Morris
* Nompumelelo Mqwebu (born 1977)
* Siba Mtongana (born 1984)
* Kamini Pather (born 1983)
* Reuben Riffel (born 1974)
* Lesego Semenya (1982–2021)
* Faldela Williams (1952–2014)

## Travelers, adventurers and pioneers

* Alexander Biggar, colonial pioneer (1781–1838)
* Jeanne M. Borle, missionary and naturalist (1880 – ca. 1979)
* 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 (born 1946)
* Mike Horn, explorer, traveler, environmentalist, adventurer (born 1966)
* James Alexander, explorer of the west coast and Namibia (1803–1885)
* Saray Khumalo, explorer and mountaineer (born 1972)

## Criminals

* Thabo Bester, convicted criminal, rapist and serial killer (born 1986)
* Daisy de Melker, second woman to be hanged for murder under the Union of South Africa (1886–1932)
* William Foster, leader of the Foster Gang
* Allan Heyl, Stander Gang member and bank robber (died 2020)
* Cedric Maake, serial killer (born 1965)
* Bulelani Mabhayi, serial killer (born 1974)
* Nandipha Magudumana, Fraudster, corruptionst, con-artist, prison escaper, violater of bodies (born 1989)
* Simon Majola, robber and serial killer who, with (born 1968)
* Fanuel Makamu, robber, rapist and serial killer (born 1977)
* Andries Makgae, serial killer and rapist (born 1962)
* Lee McCall, Stander Gang member and bank robber (1950–1984)
* Nicholas Lungisa Ncama, a rapist and serial killer
* Velaphi Ndlangamandla, robber and serial killer (born 1966)
* Solomon Ngobeni, the last person to be executed by the government of South Africa (died 1989)
* Butana Almond Nofomela, murder (born 1957)
* Gert van Rooyen, paedophile (1938–1990)
* Khangayi Sedumedi, Killer South African serial killer and rapist (born 1977)
* Schabir Shaik, convicted fraudster
* Norman Afzal Simons, rapist and serial killer (born 1967)
* Moses Sithole, convicted serial rapist and murderer (born 1964)
* Rashied Staggie, crime boss (1961–2019)
* Andre Stander, gang member (1946–1984)
* Thozamile Taki, serial killer (born 1971)
* Sipho Thwala, rapist and serial killer (born 1968)
* 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
* Christopher Mhlengwa Zikode, rapist and serial killer (born 1975)

## Other

* Sir Herbert Baker, influential in South African architecture (1862–1946)
* Nozipho Bhengu, woman whose death was from an AIDS-related illness (1974–2006)
* Fredie Blom, South African supercentenarian Fredie Blom (1904–2020)
* Denise Darvall, considered to be donor for the first human heart transplant (1943–1967)
* Ncoza Dlova, heralded as first black female head of University of KwaZulu-Natal's School of Clinical Medicine
* Napoléon Eugène, last of Napoleons who died in Zulu war (1856–1879)
* Emily Hobhouse, African British welfare campaigner for South Africans (1860–1926)
* John Hutchinson, thorough contributor to South African botany (1884–1972)
* Nkosi Johnson, child who died of AIDS (1989–2001)
* Isabel Jean Jones, early consumer advocate journalist (died 2008)
* Masego Kgomo, South African girl murdered (1999–2009)
* Marie Koopmans-de Wet, South African philanthropist and hostess (1834–1906)
* Sandra Laing, racial classification victim (born 1955)
* Paul Lloyd Jr, first South African wrestler to wrestle in WWE, son of successful SA wrestling promoter Paul Lloyd (born 1981)
* Asnath Mahapa, first female South African pilot (born 1979)
* Joe Mamasela, former Apartheid government spy (born 1953)
* Nomkhitha Virginia Mashinini, South African apartheid detainee, the mother of political figure Tsietsi Mashinini, and a community worker (1935–2008)
* Leigh Matthews, South African university student, kidnapped and murdered (1983–2004)
* Breaker Morant, Australian Boer War soldier executed by the British Army (1864–1902)
* Uyinene Mrwetyana, South African student, raped and murdered (2000–2019)
* 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)
* Thandi Sibisi, art dealer, gallery owner (born 1986)
* Maki Skosana, necklaced due to be suspected as a police informer (1961–1985)
* Reeva Steenkamp, South African model and paralegal (1983–2013)
* Adam Tas, colonial activist (1668–1722)
* Andries Tatane, Ficksburg activist killed by police (1978–2011)
* Taung Child, hominid 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)