In a testament to his operations in media and entertainment, South African billionaire Jacobus Petrus Bekker, popularly known as Koos Bekker, has achieved remarkable success by transforming South African newspaper publisher Naspers into a formidable e-commerce investor and cable TV powerhouse. Notably, Bekker’s leadership led Naspers to make a groundbreaking venture investment of $34 million for a third of Chinese Internet firm Tencent Holdings in 2001, solidifying his reputation as a visionary investor.
Having retired as the CEO of Naspers in March 2014, Bekker returned as the chairman in April 2015, continuing to play a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success.
His significant contributions have propelled him to the ranks of the world’s wealthiest individuals, with a net worth of $2.5 billion, making him the 1,275th richest person globally. Bekker ranks as one of Africa’s richest billionaires, trailing behind distinguished figures like Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour and South African tycoon Patrice Motsepe.
Beyond his ventures in the corporate world, Bekker’s influence extends to his Babylonstoren estate, which showcases a rich history with architecture dating back to 1690, and comprises a farm, orchard, and vineyard, reflecting Bekker’s appreciation for heritage and legacy.
Billionaires.Africa, has identified and monitored five prominent companies linked to Koos Bekker. He exerts control over the following companies:
- Naspers: Naspers, Africa’s biggest publicly traded company, engages in publishing, retail, and venture capital investments. Bekker’s substantial long-term wealth comes from owning a controlling 0.85-percent stake in Naspers. In March 2023, Naspers closed its $100-million venture capital fund, Naspers Foundry, due to the global impact of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. Naspers continues to support startups in its portfolio, such as SweepSouth, Naked, Aerobotics, WhereIsMyTransport, and Planet42, through a $100-million fundraising initiative involving debt and equity.
- Prosus N.V.: Prosus, founded in 1994, is a global internet player and part of South African conglomerate Naspers. Koos Bekker owns 0.72 percent of Prosus, contributing to his wealth. With a diverse portfolio of over 80 companies in fintech, social media, ed-tech, and food delivery, Prosus sold its stake in JD.com Inc. for $3.67 billion in June 2022, reducing its investment in China. In October 2022, Prosus also sold its Russian online marketplace, Avito, to Kismet Capital Group for $2.46 billion. Bekker divested $190.4 million worth of Prosus shares through a family trust, earmarked for hotel development in various countries.
- The Newt in Somerset: In 2013, Bekker and wife Karen Roos purchased a 400-hectare property in Somerset, UK. They transformed it into The Newt, a stunning estate featuring a hotel, gardens, and a restaurant. Visitors can enjoy spiraling gardens, a spa, and a cider press. The hotel has 13 suites in a Georgian mansion and 10 rooms in the original Stable Yard buildings. Before construction, they took special care to protect endangered newts on the estate, which led to renaming the property from Hadspen House to The Newt, reflecting their commitment to conservation. Today, The Newt showcases one of England’s largest collections of apple tree cultivars, with 267 thoughtfully planted since opening in 2019.
- Multichoice: In 1985, Bekker founded M-Net, a pioneering pay television company in South Africa. It later became MultiChoice, known for providing premium TV content in the region. Under Bekker’s leadership, the company experienced significant growth in the pay-television market, thanks to its innovative broadcasting and commitment to quality content attracted a loyal customer base. In 1997, Bekker became CEO of Naspers, a media conglomerate that owned MultiChoice. Naspers’ strategic acquisitions and investments in emerging markets cemented its position as a major global player in media and technology.
- Babylorian Estate: In 2007, Bekker and Karen Roos acquired Babylonstoren, a remarkable property in the Cape Winelands, South Africa. The estate spans nearly 600 acres in the Western Cape region and showcases beautifully restored architecture dating back to 1690. Its wide gardens, boutique hotel, restaurant, spa, and farm-to-table eating options are all inspired by design, beauty, and conservation. Babylonstoren has gained global recognition for its historical significance, luxurious amenities, and stunning gardens.
