Top 20 Richest Forex Traders in South Africa!
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Forex trading is still a new thing in South Africa. So people are in doubt about it. But I bet you won’t doubt if you know who the Richest Forex Trader in South Africa is. Cause there are many young self-made millionaires through forex trading.
Not only one but many take down the risk of trading and make a lot of money out of it. You can find many names on the internet, but among them 20 most talked about richest forex traders are:
1. Thomas Mthethwa 2. Ref Wayne 3. Sandile Shezi 4. Jan Mabaso 5. Mandla Mathebula 6. Jabulani Ngcobo 7. George Van Der Riet 8. Uche Paragon 9. Dapo Willis 10. Nkosi David |
11. Shaun Benjamin 12. Prince Mazibuko 13. Katlego Raditshela 14. Andile Mayisela 15. Jason Noah 16. Jeffrey Benson 17. Kojo Forex 18. HabbyFX 19. Thapelo and Emmanuel 20. Blessing Ezeako |
What was their strategy? How do they crack the code? Let’s figure it out through Forex success stories South Africa and learn their strategies.
Glance of Top Forex Millionaires in SA:
| Trader Name | Years in Forex | Main Instruments | Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ref Wayne | 12 | GBP/USD, EUR/USD, Gold | $500M | Youngest trading king, founder of Forex AMG |
| Thomas Mthethwa | 4 | GBP/USD, EUR/GBP, CAD/CHF | Not specify | Trader & educator, risk management focus |
| Sandile Shezi | 12 | Forex majors | $140M | Youngest self-made millionaire, legal issues |
| Jan Mabaso | 4 | AUD/NZD, Gold | Not specify | Technical trader, educator |
| Mandla Mathebula | 4 | EUR/USD, Gold | Not specify | Strategic trader, historian |
| Tshepo Zwane | 5 | DE30, US30, US100 | Not specify | Medium-term trader, trend-focused |
| George Van Der Riet | 13 | Forex majors | Not specify | Co-founder GFI, overcame legal setbacks |
| Uche Paragon | 15 | Forex, commodities, crypto | $16–20M | Founder of trading school, trend-based |
| Dapo Willis | 13 | Forex, commodities | $300M | Runs courses & YouTube, technical + fundamental |
| Nkosi David | 4 | GBP/USD, EUR/USD, Gold | Not specify | Fundamental analysis & mentorship |
| Shaun Benjamin | 8 | Forex majors | $100M | Millionaire at 21, long-term trader |
| Prince Mazibuko | 5 | Forex majors | Not specify | Controversial figure, flashy lifestyle |
| Katlego Raditshela | 5 | Forex majors | Not specify | Swing trader, strict risk management |
| Andile Mayisela | 8 | Forex majors | Not specify | Builds capital for other ventures |
| Jason Noah | 6 | Forex majors | Not specify | Turned R1,000 into millions, educator |
| Jeffrey Benson | 7 | Forex majors | $13M | Runs FirePips Forex Academy |
| Kojo Forex | 13 | Forex majors | $14M | Exness ambassador, trading academy |
| HabbyFX | 10 | Forex majors | $15M | Disciplined trader, minor controversy |
| Thapelo & Emmanuel Mabitsela | 8 | Forex majors | $15M | Twins, FX Goats founders |
| Blessing Ezeako | 5 | Trend trading | $200k | Focused on education & women empowerment |
Top 20 Richest Forex Traders in South Africa
Forex trading in South Africa has produced several self-made millionaires who turned market knowledge, discipline, and strategy into wealth. These traders not only built personal fortunes. But also inspire thousands of aspiring traders with their success stories.
Let’s see what they did differently to achieve this level of success.
Ref Wayne
Wondering who is the youngest richest forex trader in South Africa? The answer would be ref Wayne. He is also one of the Youngest richest forex traders.
Refiloe “Ref Wayne” Nkele’s journey into forex trading began at just 16, when he was introduced to the markets by David Schwartz, a mentor who gave him William Gann’s book on technical analysis.
From there, Ref Wayne immersed himself in trading, often studying for 16 hours a day. He is practising extensively on demo accounts and learning through failures.
Starting small, with just $50 from a friend and later $700 from family, he developed a disciplined system. He sets daily profit targets, manages risk by never investing all his capital, and uses compound growth strategies.
He focused on major pairs like GBPUSD, EURUSD, and Gold, applying logic and strict rules instead of emotions.
Today, Ref Wayne is more than a trader. He is called the trading king. He’s a best-selling author, founder of Forex AMG, and philanthropist through the Ref Wayne Foundation.
With an estimated net worth of around $500 million. That makes him a wealthy forex traders South Africa.
Thomas Mthethwa
Thomas Mthethwa, based in Johannesburg, is one of the Successful forex traders SA and an educator. He first gained attention in 2021 for his consistent results and a unique trading style that avoids relying heavily on the U.S. dollar.
He focuses on pairs like GBP/USD, CAD/CHF, EUR/GBP, and NZD/CHF, often earning average profits of over $80 per trade.
What sets Mthethwa apart is not just his trading performance, but his commitment to education.
He actively runs workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs where he teaches aspiring traders the importance of risk management. He maintains discipline and emotional control skills that are often overlooked by beginners.
Known for his transparency and practical approach, Thomas Mthethwa has built a solid reputation in South Africa’s trading community. His journey highlights that success in forex isn’t just about chasing profits. But also about building sustainable strategies and sharing knowledge with others.
Sandile Shezi
Sandile Shezi became South Africa’s youngest self-made millionaire at just 23 with a net worth $140 million. Born in Umlazi, Durban, he started his entrepreneurial journey at 12 by selling muffins at school. At 19, he invested his university tuition fees into forex trading.
Despite early setbacks, Shezi succeeded and later co-founded the Global Forex Institute to teach aspiring traders. He focuses on making forex education accessible to young South Africans.
However, his high-profile face faced a legal challenge in 2023.
Sandile Shezi faced legal trouble for allegedly defrauding an investor of R600,000 through a cryptocurrency scheme. He handed himself in to the police in 2023 and was granted bail.
Later, the South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) fined him ZAR 1 million and banned him from the financial industry for 10 years due to his involvement in the iTradeFXLive Ponzi scheme.
However, he later managed to escape the legal issues. As of August 2025, Shezi remains active in the public eye and trading.
Jan Mabaso
Jan Mabaso, hailing from Kimberley, is one of South Africa’s promising forex traders. He began his trading journey in 2021. He quickly established a reputation by focusing on currency pairs such as AUD/NZD and XAU/USD (Gold).
What sets him apart is his disciplined approach. He relies on technical analysis, candlestick patterns, and careful trend spotting to make his trades. Jan has achieved impressive results, including notable profits even in his early trading years.
Beyond his own trading, he’s passionate about helping others learn. Through social media and educational platforms. He shares insights on risk management, trading discipline, and how to approach the markets methodically.
Mandla Mathebula
Mandla Mathebula is a rising star in South Africa’s forex trading scene. Since starting around 2021, he’s built a reputation for his disciplined and strategic approach. He focuses mainly on major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and gold (XAU/USD).
He is a communications expert and public servant, currently serving as the Chief Communications Director for the Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs.
A dedicated historian, he has writtenextensively on Tsonga history, including his notable book 800 Years of Tsonga History, published in 2014. That’s why is called one of South African trading legends.
Jabulani Ngcobo
Jabulani Ngcobo, from Gqeberha, is one of South Africa’s notable forex traders. He quickly made a name for himself by focusing on major indices like DE30, US30, and US100.
What makes Ngcobo stand out is his disciplined approach.
- He carefully studies market trends and tracks shifts in momentum.
- He aims for consistent, medium-term gains rather than risky short-term trades.
His strategy has helped him achieve an average profit of around $250 per trade. Tshepo is passionate about teaching others. He runs seminars and workshops, showing aspiring traders the importance of planning, patience, and long-term thinking.
His story is a great example of how focus and discipline can lead to success in the forex market.
George Van Der Riet
George van der Riet is a South African entrepreneur and forex trader known for his work in trading education and business. After studying at Manchester Business School in the UK.
He gained experience in finance before co-founding the Global Forex Institute (GFI) with Sandile Shezi in 2012. GFI has become one of Africa’s largest forex training platforms. The institute is helping thousands of South Africans learn the markets.
However, his journey hasn’t been smooth.
George faced legal challenges related to financial misconduct at GFI, which affected his reputation and operations. Despite these setbacks, he rebuilt his career and continues to influence the South African trading community, emphasising resilience, education, and giving others the tools to succeed financially.
That’s why George is in the list of the top $20 richest forex traders in Africa.
Uche Paragon
Uche Paragon is a Nigerian entrepreneur and forex trader renowned for his success in the financial markets. With over 15 years of experience, he has become one of Nigeria's wealthiest forex traders. Uche Paragon net worth ranges between $16 million and $20 million.
Wonder what Uche Paragon trading strategy is? How did he become that successful? That’s his secret, but if you look closely at his journey, you would guess the strategy. For intense,
- Monitors how global news and economic events impact market behavior.
- Prefers trades that allow time for trends to develop, rather than chasing quick profits.
- Keeps studying new strategies, trends, and trading tools to adapt to changing markets.
- Shares strategies and practical trading techniques through his Uche Paragon Trading School.
He also founded the Uche Paragon Trading School. It offers courses in various financial markets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrency. The academy wants to train individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of financial trading.
He not only became a millionaire but also helped other teenagers.
Dapo Willis
Dapo Willis is a Nigerian entrepreneur and forex trader renowned for his success in the financial markets. With over 13 years of experience, he has become one of Africa's wealthiest forex traders, with an estimated net worth of $300 million.
Starting his trading journey at the age of 17, Dapo initially focused on forex and commodities trading.
He employs a combination of technical and fundamental analysis, emphasizing the importance of understanding global economic indicators and market sentiment. He didn't stop just trading.
He now maintains a YouTube channel called ‘Learn Forex with Dapo Willis’ with 206k subscribers. He makes videos about forex trading and his journey. He also has courses under that. So if you want a mentor, then he is the best person to look after.
Nkosi David
Nkosi David is a talented forex trader from Johannesburg who has made a name for himself with smart, disciplined trading. Since going full-time in 2021, he’s focused on currency pairs like GBP/USD, EUR/USD, EUR/AUD, EUR/JPY, and XAU/USD (Gold).
His strategy relies heavily on fundamental analysis. He studies economic reports, central bank policies, and geopolitical events to make informed trades.
What makes Nkosi stand out is not just his trading skills. But his dedication to helping others.
He frequently shares tips, insights, and strategies with aspiring traders through social media and interviews. Many in South Africa’s trading community respect him for combining expertise with mentorship, proving that success in forex isn’t just about profits.
It’s also about building others up.
Shaun Benjamin
Shaun Benjamin is a South African forex trader and entrepreneur who became a millionaire at just 21. Born in Swaziland and raised in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, Shaun initially studied engineering.
But had to leave due to financial challenges. That’s when he discovered forex trading and realized it could give him financial freedom.
Shaun focuses on technical analysis and disciplined, long-term trading. He believes patience and strategy are more important than chasing quick profits.
Thanks to his trading success and business ventures, Shaun’s estimated net worth is around $100 million. His story shows how focus, discipline, and sharing knowledge can turn a passion into a thriving career.
Prince Mazibuko
Prince Nkosinathi Mazibuko, better known as Prince Mazibuko, became one of the most talked-about names in South Africa’s forex world. He founded Born Rich Group, a company that promised investors huge profits.
Sometimes up to 80% returns every month. His flashy lifestyle, full of luxury cars and designer clothes, made him stand out on social media.
But things took a different turn when he was accused of running a scam.
In 2021, Prince faced 194 charges of fraud, theft, and breaking financial laws. Authorities stated that more than 40 investors lost approximately R735,000 after trusting the company.
Prince, however, denied being arrested and even posted a video from home saying he only received a court summons. Despite the controversy, he still remains a recognisable name in the forex scene, though mostly for the wrong reasons.
Katlego Raditshela
Katlego Raditshela has built a reputation in South Africa’s forex community as a swing trader who plays the long game.
He doesn’t chase quick wins, Katlego holds trades for days or even weeks. He is looking for those short- to medium-term gains that come with patience.
His focus on price action makes him apart from others. He relies heavily on studying how prices move on the charts rather than incorporating complicated indicators into his strategy. On top of that, Katlego is very strict with risk management.
That’s making sure every trade has a clear limit on losses before aiming for profits.
Although there isn’t a ton of public information about him compared to other flashy names in the industry.
Katlego still made it onto lists of South Africa’s notable forex traders. It is a sign that his disciplined approach has earned respect in the trading community.
Andile Mayisela
He’s the founder of Buwa Mobile, a South African-based mobile network, and a trained metallurgist with five years of experience in the mining and metallurgy sector.
Over the last 8 years, he’s also built a name for himself as a financial markets analyst and forex trader. But for him, forex trading isn’t just about making quick profits.
He uses it as a tool to build capital, which he then reinvests into new ventures. This strategy has helped him create multiple streams of income and steadily expand his business footprint.
Jason Noah
Jason Noah is one of South Africa’s most talked-about young forex traders. Born and raised in Pretoria. He built his name and fortune through forex trading.
He got fame from his famous story of turning just R1,000 into millions. That really has inspired countless aspiring traders.
He later founded Forex Kings, a trading education and mentorship platform where he teaches others the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the markets.
Beyond his wealth, Jason has become a role model for many young people in South Africa. People see his story as proof that it’s possible to change your life with the right focus and strategy.
Jeffrey Benson
Jeffrey Benson is a self-made Nigerian forex trader with an estimated net worth of $13 million. Born into a humble home, he lost his mother at just nine and later dropped out of university searching for his path.
After trying different hustles, a friend introduced him to forex trading.
His first $50 account was gone quickly, but he kept learning through books, charts, and demo accounts.
In 2018, he flipped a $25,000 account into $240,000. His big breakthrough. Today, he runs FirePips Forex Academy, teaching young Africans how to trade and achieve financial freedom.
He also runs a youtube channel called Jeffrey Benson Forex with 454k subscribers. If you wanna know him closely then follow his channel.
Kojo Forex
Bright Kojo Onipayade, known as Kojo Forex, is Ghana’s top forex trader with an estimated net worth of $14 million. Before success, he was broke, unemployed, and living in his father’s abandoned apartment.
He discovered forex in 2012, lost his first few accounts, but kept learning and refining his strategy.
By 2020, his disciplined approach started paying off. Today, he’s a brand ambassador for Exness and runs Kojo Forex Academy.
He teaches traders across Africa. Kojo’s journey shows that even from rock bottom, focus and persistence can create real success. If wanna learn his whole trading journey from start to finish then watch this prodcast:
HabbyFX
Damilare Ogundare, aka HabbyFX, is a Nigerian trader who turned his passion into a brand now valued at $15 million. After school, he explored side hustles before discovering forex.
He studied relentlessly on BabyPips, YouTube, and free guides, losing money along the way. His big break came when a supporter funded him with $10,000. That he turned into bigger profits, establishing himself as a respected trader.
Investor Deekay (@deekay_umar) accused him on March 2 in 2025 of losing $111,000 entrusted for trading and allegedly hiding the loss for three years.
Deekay claimed that Habby posted a withdrawal screenshot on social media in May 2022 that actually belonged to him, and closed a trade, causing $62,000 in further losses.
Despite the controversy, HabbyFX remains a notable figure in Nigeria’s trading scene. He is known for discipline and persistence, though his story now carries a cautionary note for aspiring traders.
Thapelo and Emmanuel Mabitsela
South African twins Thapelo and Emmanuel Mabitsela turned their passion for forex into a $15 million empire.
They dropped out of university in 2017 after a friend introduced them to trading and quickly became obsessed with learning. Everything they could find, from YouTube tutorials to online forums.
The journey wasn’t easy.
They lost money, blew multiple accounts, and faced doubt from family and friends. But their persistence paid off.
Today, they run FX Goats Forex Trading Academy, training thousands of traders across Africa. The twins have become role models for young Africans striving for financial freedom.
Blessing Ezeako
Blessing Ezeako is a Nigerian forex trader known for her disciplined approach and focus on financial literacy. She started trading while working a full-time job and gradually turned it into a full-time career. She is estimated to have a net worth of around $200,000.
Her strategy focuses on trend trading and smart risk management, always emphasizing education and proper position sizing.
She didn’t stop at trading. Blessing is passionate about empowering others, especially women, through training sessions and webinars, sharing her knowledge to help others succeed in the forex market.
Warp Up
South Africa’s top forex traders show that wealth is built through discipline, education, strategy, and resilience. Their stories prove that anyone willing to learn, stay patient, and manage risk can succeed in forex trading.
F. Nathan
Felix Nathan is a professional trader, market analyst, and business development executive with over a decade of experience in the forex and financial markets. Felix specializes in providing actionable market insights, trading strategies, and risk man...
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