In the pulsating heart of South Africa’s economic success story, one name shines with unparalleled brilliance: Tshepo Mahloele. A visionary businessman whose journey from the corporate corridors to billionaire status is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Known for his pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s financial services industry and spearheading transformative infrastructure projects, Mahloele’s success story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
Hailing from Pretoria, Mahloele’s ascent to prominence is woven with determination and foresight. His early years were marked by his tenure at Rand Merchant Bank, where he masterminded strategies for Black economic empowerment and corporate finance.
Reflecting on those formative years, Mahloele recalls: “I went in at the deep end, as it were, and worked at the breweries until I was about 25 when I joined Rand Merchant Bank. They had a program that targeted young professionals, and I stayed with them for about three years.”
As he approached his thirties, an entrepreneurial spark ignited within him. He ventured into the furniture business, a move that showcased both his acumen and the unpredictability of the business realm. “It was my first lesson in ensuring that my staff complement of over 30 people got paid and managing interest rates,” Mahloele said.
The business thrived, but the weight of debt forced its liquidation. This trial by fire became a profound lesson in entrepreneurship and risk management.
Mahloele’s path converged back to the financial world and an unyielding determination to reshape the landscape. He held the reins of the Private Sector Investment division at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), orchestrating a surge in approvals from R320 million to an astounding R2.1 billion within a single financial year. His ability to navigate complex financial ecosystems and foster relationships with funders and project sponsors made him a force to be reckoned with.
Today, Tshepo Mahloele stands tall as the presiding chairman and founder of Lebashe Investment Holding Group, an influential conglomerate with a diverse portfolio spanning financial services, technology, media and telecommunications, complementary sectors, and mining and resources. The entrepreneurial titan has amassed a fortune and empowered countless lives through strategic investments and innovative ventures.
Mahloele’s impact extends far beyond boardrooms and balance sheets. At Harith General Partners, he orchestrated landmark infrastructure projects that redefined Africa’s trajectory. From the Main One undersea cable company in Nigeria to the Henrie Konare Bedie Bridge in Côte d’Ivoire, his vision for an interconnected, progressive Africa is becoming a reality. The Lake Turkana Wind Farm in Kenya, the Enfidha and Monastir Airports in Tunisia, and the Kelvin Power Station in South Africa are monuments to his unwavering dedication.
Among Mahloele’s many successes, his indirect 7.26-percent stake in Capitec Bank through Lebashe Investment Holding Group is a crowning jewel. This stake, with a market value of R14.92 billion ($789.1 million), places him among South Africa’s elite billionaire bankers and showcases his profound influence on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
