Many people are unaware of the immense influence South Africans in America have had across a wide spectrum of key industries. Many of them initially came for various reasons but decided to stay. Today, this determined group of South African expats has made a significant impact across the USA.
Sectors where South Africans in America can be found
South Africans in the USA have become recognised contributors and leaders in several major fields, including:
- Technology and innovation
- Business and healthcare
- Academia and research
- Law and immigration services
- Philanthropy
- Sports and entertainment
Their presence and excellence in these sectors continue to shape both American industries and global advancements.
Notable South Africans by sector
Technology and innovation
- Elon Musk: Perhaps the most globally recognized South African working in USA, Musk is the founder of Tesla, SpaceX, and co-founder of PayPal, transforming transportation and beyond.
- Vinny Lingham: Founded tech startups like Yola and Gyft.com.
- Willem van Biljon: Co-founder of Nimbula, a pioneer in cloud computing.
- Pieter de Villiers: CEO of Clickatell, a leader in SMS technology.
- Lyndon and Peter Rive: Built SolarCity, a leading provider of residential clean energy.
- Paul Maritz: Former CEO of VMware, a cloud computing leader.
Business and healthcare
- Steven Collis: CEO of AmerisourceBergen, a healthcare distribution giant on the Fortune 500 list.
- Roelof Botha: Venture capitalist and one of the earliest funders of YouTube.
Academia and research
- Deans at Stanford and Notre Dame: South Africans living in America have achieved high-ranking university leadership roles.
- Peter Jones: Stellenbosch graduate responsible for advancements in epigenetic cancer therapy.
- Dr. Liam Pedersen: Leads a NASA team developing autonomous robots for space exploration.
Law and immigration
- Bernie Wolfsdorf: Regularly recognized as one of the world’s leading immigration lawyers.
- Chris Wright: “Hollywood’s go-to lawyer” for extraordinary talent visas.
- Daryl Buffenstein: Former president of America’s national immigration law body.
- Margaret Marshall: Former Chief Justice of Massachusetts and the first US justice to legalize gay marriage.
Philanthropy
- Dr. Trevor Mundel: President of Global Health at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Nomvimbi Meriwether: Co-founder of the Meriwether Foundation, focusing on health and education in Southern Africa.
Sports and entertainment
- Charlize Theron: Academy Award-winning actress making a global mark.
- Sharlto Copley: Actor and producer, known for District 9.
- Gift Ngoepe: First black South African to receive a professional baseball contract in the US.
- Richman Mahlangu: Tennis coach and mentor, guiding his sons to Ivy League athletic scholarships.
Why do South African expats excel?
The success of South Africans in the USA is a story of quiet, sustained excellence, rooted in a strong academic foundation, resilience, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Many arrived seeking growth and opportunity, carving out their own paths through talent and hard work. From creating world-changing technologies to breaking new ground in science, law, sports, and entertainment, these expats have made a profound mark on their adopted country.
Shaped by unique challenges, their global perspective drives their leadership and success, reflecting the ambition and resourcefulness that defines this remarkable community.
How FinGlobal supports South Africans abroad or planning to relocate
If you’re considering joining these notable South Africans in America, expert guidance is essential.
FinGlobal specialises in helping South African expats navigate South African tax residency, cross-border tax compliance, and the transfer of south African funds, ensuring your financial affairs remain compliant and tax-efficient wherever you are in the world.