If you’re familiar with the African entrepreneurship scene, then Vusi Thembekwayo is probably already on your radar. If not, it’s time to get acquainted — because this man’s story is the kind of real-life rollercoaster that could give Hollywood scripts a run for their money.
At just 39 years old (born March 21, 1985), Vusi has built an empire. Depending on who you ask, his net worth sits somewhere between $37 million and $600 million — yep, that wide of a range. But even at the lower end, it’s safe to say Vusi has done more than just well for himself.
He’s not just a flashy businessman either. Vusi is an author, speaker, investor, and media personality who built his brand from the ground up — and we mean up from some serious personal challenges. Let’s take a deeper look into who Vusi Thembekwayo really is, how he built his wealth, and what keeps his name at the top of the business world in 2025.
Humble Beginnings in Benoni
Vusi was born and raised in Benoni, a township in the East Rand of Gauteng, South Africa. He wasn’t born into money — far from it. His father was a passionate entrepreneur who took major risks to build a better life for his family. Unfortunately, those risks didn’t always pay off. After using the family home as collateral and losing everything, the Thembekwayos found themselves living with relatives.
Despite bouncing back financially, tragedy struck when Vusi’s father was killed during a mugging. That loss became a pivotal moment in Vusi’s life. Rather than let it break him, he used it as fuel.
The Early Hustle: From School Dropout to Corporate Leader
Vusi’s journey didn’t follow the traditional route. After attending Benoni High School, he started studying at Wits University and later at Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). But money was tight, and he eventually dropped out due to financial constraints.
Instead of giving up, he threw himself into public speaking, quickly rising in the corporate world. By 25 years old, Vusi was running a R400 million division of a R17 billion multinational company. That’s not just impressive — it’s almost unheard of.
His talent for communicating complex business strategies in a relatable way made him a star on the speaking circuit. That’s when the real money started rolling in.
How Vusi Thembekwayo Made His Millions
So how exactly did Vusi go from rock bottom to building a business empire?
Here’s a breakdown of his key income sources and ventures:
💼 Business Ventures
Vusi is the founder and executive behind multiple companies, including:
- MyGrowthFund – A venture capital firm focused on supporting small, micro, and medium black-owned businesses in South Africa.
- VT (Vusi Thembekwayo Personal Brand) – His public-facing brand built around speaking, writing, and thought leadership.
- IC Knowledge Bureau – A boutique speaker management agency.
- Project249 – An ambitious project aimed at creating mobile business incubation hubs across all 249 municipalities in South Africa.
🌍 Global Impact & Investments
He’s also on the board of directors and a shareholder in international ventures, such as:
- Squared Financial, a fintech firm based in Luxembourg.
- The Innovation Village in East Africa, one of the continent’s top startup accelerators.
- Silicon Cape, a major player in Cape Town’s tech and innovation ecosystem.
🎤 Public Speaking
One of Vusi’s most lucrative gigs? Public speaking. He commands $30,000 to $50,000 per live event, and even virtual events fetch him $20,000 to $30,000. With appearances around the globe, from Dubai to London to Nairobi, his speaking business alone is a goldmine.
Author, Influencer, and Global Thought Leader
In 2009, Vusi released his book, Vusi: Business & Life Lessons from a Black Dragon, and it gave readers a glimpse into his struggles and philosophies. It was part biography, part business handbook, and it struck a nerve.
Vusi has also built a massive online following. As of early 2025:
- Instagram – 1.6 million followers
- Facebook – 1.3 million followers
- TikTok – 887K+
- LinkedIn – Nearly 895K followers
- YouTube – Over 530K subscribers
- X (formerly Twitter) – 606K+
This reach has turned him into one of Africa’s most influential business minds — and yes, that brings in additional revenue through brand partnerships and digital events.
The Car Collection & Luxuries of Success
Vusi isn’t shy about his success. His car collection reads like a dream garage:
- Aston Martin Vanquish S
- Ferrari F12
- BMW X6M
- Porsche Cayenne GTS
And he’s not just about fast cars — Vusi once lived in a multi-million rand mansion in Steyn City, one of Johannesburg’s most luxurious estates. However, that home became the center of legal battles with his estranged wife, Palesa Thembekwayo.
Personal Life: The Struggles Behind the Spotlight
Not everything in Vusi’s life is flashy and polished. His marriage to Palesa fell apart publicly, with allegations of abuse surfacing in 2021. Vusi denied the claims, and the couple has been estranged since 2020.
They share three children and were once business partners — co-founding MyGrowthFund. Their personal and professional split involved high-stakes legal and financial drama, including a dispute over their R4 million Steyn City property, which was nearly repossessed in 2023.
Where Does Vusi Thembekwayo Live Now?
In recent years, Vusi has expanded internationally, and many speculate that he now resides in Dubai. His LinkedIn activity and social media check-ins support the idea that he’s built a life in the UAE while still maintaining business ties in South Africa and across Africa.
A True African Titan
Whether you admire his sharp business acumen, are inspired by his rise from tragedy, or just love his no-nonsense delivery style, one thing’s certain: Vusi Thembekwayo is a force.
His journey from Benoni to boardrooms across the globe shows what’s possible when talent, resilience, and ambition collide.
With a net worth between $37 million and $600 million (as of 2025), a string of successful ventures, and a global influence that continues to grow, Vusi isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Love him or hate him — you can’t ignore him.