Nicky Oppenheimer: 5 Most Expensive Asset SA Billionaire

As an heir to the DeBeers diamond fortune, African billionaire, Nicky Oppenheimer sold his 40% of the firm to mining group Anglo American for $5.1 billion in cash in 2012. The South African (SA) billionaire also has a lot of expensive assets attached to his name.

In recent times, Nicky has seen his net worth rise due to the successful performance of his private equity investments in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States. Let’s take a look at some of the SA billionaire’s expensive assets.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Beyond his private equity investments, Oppenheimer is a strong advocate of wilderness conservation. This passion led him to co-own Tswalu Kalahari, the largest private game reserve in South Africa. 

Tswalu houses one of the world’s largest populations of black rhinos and other threatened species like the pangolin and canid African wild dog. Covering an area of over 111,000 hectares, Oppenheimer bought the reserve when Stephen Boler passed away in 1999.

Nicky purchased the land with a desire to return it to its original, unspoilt state, hence the name Tswalu, meaning “new beginning” or “rebirth” in Setswana.

Brenthurst Foundation

Described as a Johannesburg-based think-tank established by the Oppenheimer family in 2004, the Brenthrust Foundation supports the Brenthurst Initiative in seeking ways to fund African development. The foundation focuses on how to draw the investment needed for continental regeneration and prosperity.

Since it was established in 2004, the foundation has played active roles in various countries across the continent, including its collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation of Nigeria to investigate enterprise and private sector development. They are at the forefront of new ideas and innovative actions for strengthening Africa’s economic performance.

65,000-hectare Shangani Ranch 

Located on the central watershed of Zimbabwe, Nicky’s Shagani Ranch is a vital migration route for animals that has gained recognition as a wildlife sanctuary. The ranch’s operations have also significantly contributed to the region’s economy, employing a workforce of 400 people and facilitating beef exports to the United Kingdom. 

Fireblade Aviation in Johannesburg

Nicky’s Fireblade Aviation is a world-class private aviation business located near OR Tambo International Airport. Positioning aviation as the gateway to Africa, Fireblade caters to discerning clients and offers exclusive guest experiences, unmatched pilot and crew amenities, and comprehensive aircraft owner and operator services.

Owned by one of the richest families in South Africa, the $15 million facility was built out of a desire to create a world-class FBO at Johannesburg International Airport. Speaking about the project, Nicky’s brother, Jonathan said, “We believe we have created a leading global product and brand in Fireblade Aviation that is synonymous with the highest quality of service and attention to detail.” 

Stockdale and Tana Africa Capital

Stockdale and Tana Africa Capital is a private equity joint venture Nicky established with Singapore-based investment fund Temasek Holdings. It is an evergreen Africa-focused investment company that builds companies for generations to come. 

Nicky’s Tana draws from the rich heritage, vast experience and extensive networks of its founding shareholders to serve as a fount of development, leaving an enduring, tangible and positive legacy on the businesses it supports.