Academics

• Shulamith Behr, art historian (1946–2023)
• Estian Calitz, academic (born 1949)
• Jakes Gerwel, academic and anti-apartheid activist (1946–2012)
• Adam Habib, political scientist (born 1965)
• Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, academic and politician (1894–1948)
• Thamsanqa Kambule, South African Mathematician and Educator (1921–2009)
• Tshilidzi Marwala, academic and businessman (born 1971)
• Revil Mason, archeologist (1929–2020)
• Shula Marks, historian (born 1938)
• Njabulo Ndebele, Principal of the University of Cape Town (born 1948)
• D. C. S. Oosthuizen, philosopher (1926–1968)
• Adriaan N Pelzer, historian and Vice-Principal University Pretoria (1915–1981)
• Michiel Daniel Overbeek, South African amateur astronomer and prolific variable star observers (1920–2001)
• Pierre de Villiers Pienaar, pioneering role in speech language therapy and lexicography in South Africa (1904–1978)
• Calie Pistorius, academic and Principal of the University of Pretoria (born 1958)
• Milton Shain, academic and professor of Modern Jewish history at the University of Cape Town (born 1949)
• Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, author, educator, and first black South African to receive a PhD (1906–1947)^[1]
• David Webster, anthropologist (1945–1989)

Medical and veterinary

• Abraham Manie Adelstein, UK Chief Medical Statistician (1916–1992)
• Christiaan Barnard, pioneering heart surgeon (1922–2001)
• Wouter Basson, medical scientist (born 1950)
• John Borthwick (veterinary surgeon), veterinary surgeon in the Cape Colony (1867–1936)
• Mary Malahlela, first black woman to register as a medical doctor in South Africa (1916–1981)
• Joan Morice, first female veterinary surgeon in South Africa (1904–1944)
• Anna Coutsoudis, public health scientist (born 1952)
• Patrick Soon-Shiong, surgeon, founder Abraxis BioScience, billionaire (born 1952)
• Arnold Theiler, veterinarian (1867–1936)
• Max Theiler, virologist, 1951 Nobel Prize winner (1899–1972)
• Lindiwe Sidali, surgeon (born 1984)

Scientists

• Andrew Geddes Bain, geologist (1797–1864)
• Peter Beighton, geneticist (1934–2023)
• Wilhelm Bleek, linguist (1827–1875)
• Robert Broom, palaeontologist (1866–1951)
• Sydney Brenner, biologist, 2002 Physiology or Medicine Nobel Prize winner (1927–2019)
• Phillip Clancey, ornithologist (1918–2001)
• Allan McLeod Cormack, physicist (1924–1998)
• Zodwa Dlamini, biochemist
• Clement Martyn Doke, linguist (1893–1980)
• Mulalo Doyoyo, professor and inventor (born 1970)
• Alexander du Toit, geologist (1878–1948)
• Robert Allen Dyer, botanist (1900–1987)
• Melville Edelstein, sociologist, killed due to Soweto uprising (1919–1976)
• Wendy Foden, conservation biologist
• J. W. B. Gunning, zoologist (1860–1913)
• Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) (born 1960)
• Salim Abdool Karim, FRSSAf FRS^[2] South African epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist (born 1960)
• David Lewis-Williams, archaeologist (born 1934)
• Lucy Lloyd, anthropologist (1834–1914)
• Thebe Medupe, astrophysicist (born 1973)
• Hans Merensky, geologist (1871–1952)
• Austin Roberts, zoologist (1883–1948)
• Peter Sarnak, mathematician (born 1953)
• Ramotholo Sefako, astrophysicist (born 1971)
• Buyisiwe Sondezi, physicist (born 1976)
• Basil Schonland, physicist (1896–1972)
• J.L.B. Smith, ichthyologist (1897–1968)
• Phillip Tobias, palaeontologist (1925–2012)

Theologians

Also see: Prelates, clerics and evangelists

• David Bosch (1929–1992)
• John W. de Gruchy (born 1939)
• Dion Forster (born 1972)
• Johan Heyns (1928–1994)

Authors

• Lady Anne Barnard, travel writer and artist (1750–1825)
• Herman Charles Bosman, author (1905–1951)
• André P. Brink, author (1935–2015)
• Justin Cartwright, novelist (1943–2018)
• John Maxwell Coetzee, 2003 Nobel Prize-winning author (born 1940)
• K. Sello Duiker, novelist (1974–2005)
• Sir Percy FitzPatrick, writer, businessman and politician (1862–1931)
• Graeme Friedman, author and clinical psychologist
• Damon Galgut, author (born 1963)
• Nadine Gordimer, 1991 Nobel Prize-winning author (1923–2014)
• Alfred Hutchinson, South African author, teacher and activist (1924–1972)
• C. J. Langenhoven, writer and poet (1873–1932)
• Pule Lechesa, essayist, literary critic, and poet (born 1976)
• Kgotso Pieter David Maphalla, the Sesotho language writer (1955–2021)
• Dalene Matthee, author (1938–2005)
• Gcina Mhlope, author, storyteller, playwright, director, actor (born 1959)
• Deon Meyer, author (born 1958)
• Phaswane Mpe, novelist (1970–2004)
• Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, author and musician (born 1989)
• Alan Paton, author (1903–1988)
• Margaret Roberts, herbalist and writer (1937–2017)
• Karel Schoeman, novelist and historian (1939–2017)
• Olive Schreiner, author (1855–1920)
• Mongane Wally Serote, poet and writer (born 8 May 1944)
• Wilbur Smith, novelist (1933–2021)
• J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of The Rings (1892–1973)
• Etienne van Heerden, novelist (born 1956)
• Marlene van Niekerk, novelist (born 1954)
• Lyall Watson, writer (1939–2008)
• David Yudelman, writer
• Rachel Zadok, London-based South African writer (born 1972)

Editors

• Kojo Baffoe, magazine editor (born 1972)
• Khanyi Dhlomo, magazine editor (born 1975)
• Laurence Gandar, Rand Daily Mail editor (1915–1998)
• Niel Hammann, editor of magazines (born 1937)
• John Tengo Jabavu, political activist and newspaper editor (1859–1921)
• Aggrey Klaaste, journalist and editor (1940–2004)
• Max du Preez, newspaper editor (born 1951)

Poets

See also: South African poets and Afrikaans language poets

• Roy Campbell, poet (1901–1957)
• Judy Croome, poet (born 1958)
• Sheila Cussons, poet (1922–2004)
• Jonty Driver (1939–2023)
• Jakob Daniël du Toit, poet a.k.a. Totius (1877–1953)
• Elisabeth Eybers, poet (1915–2007)
• Stephen Gray, writer and poet (1941–2020)
• Ingrid Jonker, poet (1933–1965)
• Antjie Krog, poet, novelist and playwright (born 1952)
• Laurence Lerner, poet (1925–2016)
• Lucas Malan, Afrikaans academic and poet (1946–2010)
• Chris Mann, poet (1948–2021)
• Eugène Nielen Marais, poet, writer, lawyer and naturalist (1871–1936)
• Thomas Pringle, poet and journalist (1789–1834)
• N.S. Puleng, poet and author (born 1958)
• N. P. van Wyk Louw, poet (1906–1970)
• Mongane Wally Serote, poet, activist and politician (born 1944)
• Stephen Watson, poet (1954–2011)

Journalists

• Jani Allan, journalist and radio personality (born 1953)
• George Claassen, journalist (born 1949)
• Robyn Curnow, CNN television reporter and anchor
• John Charles Daly, television journalist, executive and game show host (1914–1991)
• Arnold S de Beer, journalist and academic (1942–2021)
• Frene Ginwala, journalist and politician (1932–2023)
• Arthur Goldstuck, journalist (born 1959)
• Niel Hammann, journalist (born 1937)
• Noni Jabavu, journalit, editor and first black South African woman to publish an autobiography (1919–2008)
• Archibald Campbell Jordan (1906–1968)
• Lara Logan, CBS television reporter/correspondent (born 1971)
• Peter Magubane, South African photographer (1932–2024)
• John Matisonn, print and radio journalist for both South African and United States broadcasters (born 1949)
• Zakes Mda, journalist (born 1948)
• Nathaniel Ndazana Nakasa, South African journalist and short story writer (1937–1965)
• Sam Nzima, South African photographer, who took the image of Hector Pieterson for the Soweto uprising (1934–2018)
• Henry Nxumalo, investigative journalist under apartheid (1917–1957)
• Sol Plaatje, journalist and political activist (1877–1932)
• Percy Qoboza, journalist, editorial writer, and political activist (1938–1988)
• Barry Streek, journalist, political activist, author, parliamentary media manager (1948–2006)
• Redi Tlhabi, journalist and broadcaster (born 1978)
• Eric Lloyd Williams, journalist and war correspondent (1915–1988)
• Donald Woods, journalist and anti-apartheid activist (1933–2001)

Performing artists

Visual artists

Activists and trade unionists

• Elizabeth 'Nanna' Abrahams, political activist and trade unionist (1925–2008)
• Zackie Achmat, AIDS activist (born 1962)
• Neil Aggett, political activist and trade unionist (1953–1982)
• Neville Alexander, revolutionary and proponent of a multilingual South Africa (1936–2012)
• Abdul Kader Asmal, South African politician (1934–2011)
• Abu Baker Asvat, founding member of Azapo (1943–1989)
• Zainab Asvat, South African anti-apartheid activist (1920–2013)
• Frances Baard, trade unionist, organiser for the African National Congress Women's League and a Patron of the United Democratic Front (1909–1997)
• Esther Barsel, South African political activist, long-standing member of the South African Communist Party and wife to Hymie Barsel (1924–2008)
• Hymie Barsel, South African activist (1920–1987)
• Jeremy Baskin, trade unionist (born 1956)
• Jean Bernadt, anti-apartheid activist (1914–2011)
• Lionel Bernstein, anti-apartheid activist and political prisoner (1920–2002)
• Edward Bhengu, founder member of the PAC (1934–2010)
• Sibusiso Bengu, politician (born 1934)
• Steve Biko, nonviolent political activist (1946–1977)
• Sonia Bunting, journalist, political and anti-apartheid activist (1922–2001)
• Amina Cachalia, South African anti-Apartheid activist, women's rights activist, and politician (1930–2013)
• Ismail Ahmed Cachalia, South African political activist and a leader of Transvaal Indian Congress and the African National Congress (1908–2003)
• Fort Calata, political activist and one of The Cradock Four (1956–1985)
• James Calata, political activist and ANC secretary (1895–1983)
• Collins Chabane, South African Minister of Public Service and Administration (1960–2015)
• Laloo Chiba, South African politician and revolutionary (1930–2017)
• Yusuf Dadoo, South African Communist and an anti-apartheid activist (1909–1983)
• Eddie Daniels, anti-apartheid activist (1928–2017)
• Nosipho Dastile, community and anti-Apartheid activist (1938–2009)
• Sophia De Bruyn, political activist (born 1938)
• Amina Desai, political prisoner (1920–2009)
• Lilian Diedericks, South African activist (1925–2021)
• Bettie du Toit, trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist (1910–2002)
• Ebrahim Ebrahim, South African anti-apartheid activist (1937–2021)
• Colin Eglin, South African politician (1925–2013)
• Farid Esack, political activist and opposition to apartheid (born 1959)
• Lucinda Evans, women's right activist (born 1972)
• Ruth First, South African anti-apartheid activist, scholar and wife to Joe Slovo (1925–1982)
• Pregs Govender, human rights activist, former ANC MP, anti-apartheid campaigner (born 1960)
• Irene Grootboom, housing rights activist (c. 1969–2008)
• Denis Goldberg, political activist (1933–2020)
• Arthur Goldreich, abstract painter and anti-apartheid (1929–2011)
• John Gomomo, South African Unionist and activist (1945–2008)
• Matthew Goniwe, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1946–1985)
• Zainunnisa Gool, anti-apartheid political and civil rights leader (1897–1963)
• Joe Nzingo Gqabi, political activist (1929–1981)
• Archibald Gumede, anti-apartheid activist, lawyer and politician (1914–1998)
• Josiah Tshangana Gumede, political activist (1867–1946)
• Harry Gwala, revolutionary leader in the African National Congress and South African Communist Party (1920–1995)
• Nkululeko Gwala, prominent member of the shackdwellers' social movement Abahlali baseMjondolo (died 2013)
• Alcott Skei Gwentshe, shopkeeper and political activist (died 1966)
• Bertha Gxowa, anti-apartheid, women's rights activist and trade unionist (1934–2010)
• Chris Hani, political activist (1942–1993)
• Harold Hanson, politician and advocate (1904–1973)
• Frederick John Harris, South African schoolteacher and anti-apartheid (1937–1965)
• Abdullah Haron, South African Muslim cleric and anti-apartheid activist (1924–1969)
• Ruth Hayman, anti-apartheid campaigner (1913–1981)
• Alexander Hepple, trade unionist, politician, anti-apartheid activist and author and the last leader of the original South African Labour Party (1904–1983)
• Bob Hepple, political activist, leader in the fields of labour law, equality and human rights (1934–2015)
• Bavelile Gloria Hlongwa, South African chemical engineer and politician (1981–2019)
• Bantu Holomisa, political activist (born 1955)
• Timothy Peter Jenkin, anti-apartheid activist, political prisoner and writer (born 1948)
• Helen Joseph, anti-apartheid activist (1905–1992)
• Mthuli ka Shezi, South African playwright, political activist (1947–1972)
• James Kantor, politician, lawyer and writer (1927–1974)
• Ahmed Kathrada, political activist (1929–2017)
• Philip Kgosana, political activist (1936–2017)
• Winnie Kgware, anti-Apartheid activist (1917–1998)
• Alice Kinloch (born 1863), human rights activist and writer
• Wolfie Kodesh, South African Communist party activist (1918–2002)
• Moses Kotane, anti-apartheid activist (1907–1978)
• Ashley Kriel, South African activist (1966–1987)
• Duma Kumalo, South African human rights activist and one of the Sharpeville Six (died 2006)
• Dumisani Kumalo, South African politician (1947–2019)
• Ellen Kuzwayo, political activist (1914–2006)
• Lennox Lagu, political activist (1938–2011)
• Stephen Bernard Lee, anti-apartheid and political prisoner (born 1951)
• Anton Lembede, political activist (1914–1947)
• Moses Mabhida, anti-apartheid activist (1923–1986)
• Phakamile Mabija, anti-apartheid activist (died 1977)
• Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, political activist and former 2nd wife to Nelson Mandela (1936–2018)
• Zacharias Richard Mahabane, political activist (1881–1971)
• Mac Maharaj, political activist (born 1935)
• Solomon Mahlangu, Umkhonto we Sizwe operative (1956–1979)
• Vusumzi Make, political activist (1931–2006)
• Sefako Makgatho, political activist (1861–1951)
• Mbuyisa Makhubo, anti-Apartheid activist (born 1957/1958)
• Clarence Makwetu, political activist (1928–2016)
• Adolph Malan, fighter pilot and civil rights activist (1910–1963)
• Zollie Malindi, political activist (1924–2008)
• Nelson Mandela, political activist and first President of South Africa (1918–2013)
• Mosibudi Mangena, South Africa politician (born 1947)
• Isaac Lesiba Maphotho, political activist (1931–2019)
• J. B. Marks, politician activist (1903–1972)
• Jafta Masemola, political activist (1929–1990)
• Emma Mashinini, trade unionist and political leader (1929–2017)
• Tsietsi Mashinini, South African anti-Apartheid activist and student leader of the Soweto uprising on 16 June 1976 (1957–1990)
• Joseph Mathunjwa, Trade union leader and the head of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) (born 1965)
• Florence Matomela, South African anti-pass law activist (1910–1969)
• Joe Matthews, political activist and son of ZK Matthews (1929–2010)
• Z. K. Matthews, political activist (1901–1968)
• Seth Mazibuko, youngest member of the South African Students' Organisation that planned and led the Soweto uprising
• Epainette Mbeki, political activist, mother of Thabo Mbeki and wife to Govan Mbeki (1916–2014)
• Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of Thabo Mbeki (1910–2001)
• Robert McBride, anti-apartheid assassin and later police chief (born 1963)
• A. P. Mda, co-founder of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (1916–1993)
• Fatima Meer, scientist and political activist (1928–2010)
• Raymond Mhlaba, political activist and the former Premier of the Eastern Cape (1920–2005)
• Sicelo Mhlauli, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1952–1985)
• Jean Middleton, anti-apartheid activist and wife to Harold Strachan (1928–2010)
• Clarence Mini, anti-apartheid activist (1951–2020)
• Vuyisile Mini, unionist and Umkhonto we Sizwe activist (1920–1964)
• Nomhlangano Beauty Mkhize, political activist, shop steward and wife to Saul Mkhize (1946–1977)
• Sparrow Mkhonto, political activist and one of the Cradock four (1951–1985)
• Wilton Mkwayi, political activist (1923–2004)
• Johnson Mlambo, political activist (1940–2021)
• Andrew Mlangeni, political activist (1925–2020)
• Thamsanga Mnyele, anti-apartheid (1948–1985)
• Billy Modise, political activist (1930–2018)
• Joe Modise, political activist (1929–2001)
• Thabo Edwin Mofutsanyana, political activist (1899–1995)
• Mapetla Mohapi, political activist (1947–1976)
• Yunus Mohamed, (sometimes Mahomed) South African lawyer and activist (1950–2008)
• Peter Mokaba, political activist (1959–2002)
• Priscilla Mokaba, political activist and mother of Peter Mokaba (died 2013)
• Ruth Mompati, political activist (1925–2015)
• Moosa Moolla, political activist (1934–2023)
• Strini Moodley, founding member of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa (1946–2006)
• Rahima Moosa, anti-apartheid activist (1922–1993)
• James Moroka, political activist (1891–1985)
• Zephania Mothopeng, political activist (1913–1990)
• Nthato Motlana, physician and anti-apartheid activist (1925–2008)
• Caroline Motsoaledi, political activist and wife to Elias Motsoaledi (died c.2015)
• Elias Motsoaledi, political activist (1924–1994)
• James Mpanza, political activist (1889–1970)
• Oscar Mpetha, political activist and unionist (1909–1994)
• Griffiths Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1935–1981)
• Victoria Mxenge, anti-apartheid activist (1942–1985)
• George Naicker, anti-apartheid activist (1919–1998)
• Monty Naicker, South African anti-apartheid activist and medical doctor (1910–1978)
• Ama Naidoo, anti-apartheid activist (1908–1993)
• Naransamy Roy Naidoo, political (1901–1953)
• Billy Nair, political activist (1929–2008)
• Rita Ndzanga, anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist (1933–2022)
• Mary Ngalo, South African anti-apartheid activist and was also active in fighting for women's rights (died 1973)
• Lilian Ngoyi, anti-apartheid activist (1911–1980)
• Looksmart Ngudle, political activist (1922–1963)
• Joe Nhlanhla, African National Congress national executive and the former South African Minister of Justice (Intelligence Affairs) (1936–2008)
• John Nkadimeng, politician and anti-apartheid activist (1927–2020)
• Vernon Nkadimeng, political activist (1958–1985)
• Nkwenkwe Nkomo, SASO nine member
• William Frederick Nkomo, medical doctor, community leader, political activist and teacher (1915–1972)
• Duma Nokwe, political activist (1927–1978)
• Jabulile Nyawose, trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist (1948–1982)
• Alfred Nzo, political activist (1925–2000)
• Albert Nzula, political activist (1905–1934)
• Abdullah Mohamed Omar, anti-Apartheid activist and lawyer (1934–2004)
• Roy Padayachie, politician and Minister of Public Service and Administration of the Republic of South Africa (1950–2012)
• Aziz Pahad, political activist (born 1940)
• Essop Pahad, political activist (1939–2023)
• Sabelo Phama, revolutionary (1949–1994)
• Motsoko Pheko, politician, lawyer, author, historian, theologian and academic (born 1933)
• Joyce Piliso-Seroke, South-African educator, activist, feminist and community organizer (born 1933)
• Sol Plaatje, political activist (1876–1932)
• John Nyathi Pokela, political activist (1922/1923–1985)
• Maggie Resha, political activist and wife of Robert Resha (1923–2003)
• Robert Resha, political activist (1920–1978)
• Fabian Ribeiro, South African doctor and anti-apartheid activist (1933–1986)
• Florence Ribeiro, anti-apartheid activist and wife of Fabian Ribeiro (1933–1986)
• Walter Rubusana, first deputy president of the ANC (1856–1936)
• Albie Sachs, political activist (born 1935)
• Harry Schwarz, South African lawyer, statesman and long-time political opposition leader against apartheid in South Africa (1924–2010)
• Jackie Sedibe, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Major General and politician activist and wife to Joe Modise (born 1945)
• Molefi Sefularo, Deputy Minister of Health (1957–2010)
• James Seipei, teenage United Democratic Front (UDF) activist (1974–1989)
• Nimrod Sejake, labour leader in South Africa, leading member of the Congress of South African Trade Unions and secretary of the Iron Steel Workers (1920–2004)
• Dulcie September, South African anti-apartheid political activist (1935–1988)
• Reggie September, activist (1923–2013)
• Nomvuzo Shabalala, politician (1960–2020)
• Gertrude Shope, South African trade unionist and politician (born 1925)
• Gert Sibande, political activist (1907–1987)
• Archie Sibeko, political activist and trade unionist (1928–2018)
• David Sibeko, South Africa politician and journalist (1938–1979)
• Letitia Sibeko, political activist and wife to Archie Sibeko (1930–??)
• Joyce Nomafa Sikakane, South African journalist and activist (born 1943)
• Annie Silinga, South African anti-pass laws and anti-apartheid political activist (1910–1984)
• Jack Simons, political activist (1907–1995)
• Rachel Simons, communist and trade unionist and wife to Jack Simons (1914–2004)
• Albertina Sisulu, political activist and wife of Walter Sisulu (1918–2011)
• Walter Sisulu, political activist (1912–2003)
• Zola Skweyiya, political activist (1942–2018)
• Joe Slovo, South African politician, and an opponent of the apartheid system (1926–1995)
• Robert Sobukwe, political activist and founder of PAC (1924–1978)
• Veronica Sobukwe, political activist and wife to Robert Sobukwe (1927–2018)
• Makhenkesi Stofile, political activist (1944–2016)
• Harold Strachan, anti-apartheid activist (1925–2020)
• Helen Suzman, South African anti-apartheid activist and politician (1917–2009)
• Isaac Bangani Tabata, political activist (1909–1990)
• Dora Tamana, South African anti-apartheid activist (1901–1983)
• Adelaide Tambo political activist and wife to Oliver Tambo (1929–2007)
• Oliver Tambo, political activist (1917–1993)
• Selope Thema, South African political activist and leader (1886–1955)
• Mary Thipe, anti-apartheid and human rights activist (1917–2002)
• Mohammed Tikly, South African educator and struggle veteran (1939–2020)
• Ahmed Timol, anti-apartheid activist, political leader and activist in the underground South African Communist Party (SACP) (1941–1971)
• Abram Onkgopotse Tiro, South African student political activist (1945–1974)
• Steve Tshwete, political activist (1938–2002)
• Ben Turok, anti-apartheid activist and Economics Professor (1927–2019)
• Moses Twebe, South African politician (1916–2013)
• Zwelinzima Vavi, former general secretary of COSATU, and Trade union leader SAFTU (born 1962)
• Randolph Vigne, anti-apartheid activist (1928–2016)
• Sheila Weinberg, anti-apartheid activist (1945–2004)
• AnnMarie Wolpe, sociologist, feminist, anti-apartheid activist and wife to Harold Wolpe (1930–2018)
• Harold Wolpe, lawyer, sociologist, political economist and anti-apartheid activist (1926–1996)
• Khoisan X, political activist (1955–2010)
• Alfred Xuma, political activist and ANC president (1893–1962)
• Tony Yengeni, anti-Apartheid activist (born 1954)

Apartheid operatives

• Wouter Basson, apartheid scientist (born 1950)
• Dirk Coetzee, apartheid covert operative (1945–2013)
• Eugene de Kock, apartheid assassin (born 1949)
• Clive Derby-Lewis, assassin and former parliamentarian (1936–2016)
• Jimmy Kruger, apartheid Minister of Justice and the Police (1917–1987)
• Lothar Neethling, apartheid forensic scientist (1935–2005)
• Barend Strydom, convicted murderer and white supremacist activist (born 1965)
• Eugène Terre'Blanche, white supremacist activist (1941–2010)
• Adriaan Vlok, apartheid Minister of Law and Order (born 1937)
• Craig Williamson, apartheid spy (born 1949)

Colonial and Union Governors

• George Grey, Cape governor (1812–1898)
• Jan Willem Janssens, Cape Governor (1762–1838)
• Benjamin d'Urban, Cape Governor (1834–1837)
• Benjamin Pine, Natal governor (1809–1891)
• Harry Smith, Cape governor 1847–52 (1787–1860)
• Andries Stockenström, governor of British Kaffraria (1792–1864)
• Simon van der Stel, first Cape governor (1639–1712)
• Willem Adriaan van der Stel, second Cape governor (1664–1723)
• Jan van Riebeeck, founder of Cape settlement (1619–1677)
• Nicolaas Jacobus de Wet, Chief Justice of South Africa and acting Governor-General (1873–1960)

Leaders and politicians

• Ken Andrew, politician (born 1943)
• Kader Asmal, an activist, politician and professor of human rights (1934–2011)
• Sibusiso Bengu, politician (born 1934)
• Steve Biko, nonviolent political activist (1946–1977)
• Thozamile Botha, politician (born 1948)
• Cheryl Carolus, politician (born 1958)
• Yusuf Dadoo, doctor and politician (1909–1983)
• Patricia de Lille, politician (born 1951)
• Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, politician (born 1949)
• John Langalibalele Dube, founder and first president of ANC (1871–1946)
• Abba Eban, Israeli diplomat and politician, and President of the Weizmann Institute of Science (1915–2002)
• De Villiers Graaff, United Party opposition leader (1913–1999)
• Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, journalist and politician (1845–1909)
• Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, academic and politician (1894–1948)
• Danny Jordaan, politician and soccer administrator (born 1951)
• Tony Leon, DA opposition leader (born 1956)
• Albert Luthuli, President of the African National Congress, 1952–67 (1898–1967)
• Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, politician and second wife of Nelson Mandela (1936–2018)
• Trevor Manuel, minister of finance (born 1956)
• Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Parliamentary Leader for the opposition Democratic Alliance (born 1980)
• Govan Mbeki, political activist and father of Thabo Mbeki (1910–2001)
• Roelf Meyer, politician and businessman (born 1947)
• Raymond Mhlaba, political activist and the former Premier of the Eastern Cape (1920–2005)
• Vuyisile Mini, unionist and Umkhonto we Sizwe activist (1920–1964)
• Johnson Mlambo, political activist (1940–2021)
• Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, deputy president (born 1955)
• Pieter Mulder, leader of the Freedom Front Plus and former deputy minister of agriculture (born 1951)
• Gagathura (Monty) Mohambry Naicker, medical doctor and politician (1910–1978)
• Bulelani Ngcuka, politician (born 1954)
• Dullah Omar, politician (1934–2004)
• Andries Pretorius, Boer leader and commandant-general (1799–1853)
• Deneys Reitz, boer commando, deputy Prime Minister and High Commissioner to London (1882–1944)
• Pixley ka Isaka Seme, ANC founder member (1881–1951)
• Mbhazima Shilowa, trade unionist and premier (born 1958)
• Walter Sisulu, political activist (1912–2003)
• Ruth First-Slovo, political activist and wife to Joe Slovo (1924–1982)
• Joe Slovo, politician (1926–1995)
• Harry Schwarz, lawyer, politician, ambassador to United States and anti-apartheid leader (1924–2010)
• Robert Sobukwe, political activist and founder of PAC (1924–1978)
• Helen Suzman, politician (1917–2009)
• Oliver Tambo, political activist (1917–1993)
• Catherine Taylor, politician (1914–1992)
• Frederik van Zyl Slabbert, PFP opposition leader (1940–2010)
• Helen Zille, former DA opposition leader, former premier of the Western Cape (born 1951)
• Jacob Zuma, former president (born 1942)

Prime Ministers and presidents

• Jacobus Boshoff, 2nd President of the Orange Free State (1808–1881)
• Louis Botha, Boer commander-in-chief and 1st Prime Minister of South Africa (1862–1919)
• Pieter Willem Botha, 9th and last Prime Minister and 8th State President of South Africa (1916–2006)
• Johannes Henricus Brand, 4th President of the Orange Free State (1823–1888)
• Thomas François Burgers, 4th President of South African Republic (1871–1877)
• Schalk Willem Burger, 6th and last President of South African Republic (1852–1918)
• Frederik Willem de Klerk, 9th and last State President of South Africa (1990–1994) and joint Nobel Peace Prize winner (1936–2021)
• Nicolaas Johannes Diederichs, 4th State President of South Africa (1903–1978)
• Jacobus Johannes Fouché, 3rd State President of South Africa (1898–1980)
• James Barry Munnik Hertzog, Boer general and 3rd Prime Minister of South Africa (1866–1942)
• Josias Hoffman, 1st President of the Orange Free State (1807–1879)
• Petrus Jacobus Joubert, Boer general and member of the Troika in the South African Republic (1834–1900)
• Paul Kruger, member of the Troika, 5th President of South African Republic (1825–1904)
• Daniel François Malan, 5th Prime Minister of South Africa and is responsible for laying the groundwork for Apartheid (1874–1959)
• Nelson Mandela, 1st democratically elected President of South Africa and joint Nobel Peace Prize winner (1918–2013)
• Thabo Mbeki, 2nd post-apartheid President of South Africa (born 1942)
• John X. Merriman, last prime minister of the Cape Colony (1841–1926)
• Kgalema Motlanthe, 3rd post-apartheid President of South Africa (born 1949)
• Tom Naudé, 2nd State President of South Africa (1889–1969)
• Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, 3rd President of the Orange Free State, 1st and 3rd President of the ZAR (1819–1901)
• Marthinus Prinsloo, 1st President of the Republic of Graaff-Reinet (1751–1825)
• Cyril Ramaphosa, 5th post-apartheid President of South Africa (born 1952)
• Francis William Reitz, 5th President of the Orange Free State (1844–1934)
• Jan Smuts, Boer general, British field marshal, 2nd and 4th Prime Minister of South Africa (1870–1950)
• Johannes Strijdom, 6th Prime Minister of South Africa (1893–1958)
• Hermanus Steyn, 1st and last President of the Republic of Swellendam (1743–1804)
• Martinus Theunis Steyn, 6th and last President of the Orange Free State (1857–1916)
• Charles Robberts Swart, last Governor-General of the Union of South Africa and 1st State President of the RSA (1894–1982)
• Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd, 7th Prime Minister of South Africa and primary architect of Apartheid (1901–1966)
• Marais Viljoen, 5th and 7th State President of South Africa (1915–2007)
• Balthazar Johannes Vorster, 8th Prime Minister and 6th State President of South Africa (1915–1983)
• Jacob Zuma, 4th post-apartheid President of South Africa (born 1942)

Provincial Premiers

• Nosimo Balindlela, 3rd Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1949)
• Lynne Brown, (interim) 6th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1961)
• Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, 2nd Premier of the Free State (1937–2009)
• Grizelda Cjiekella, (acting) Premier of the Northern Cape (1970–2012)
• Manne Dipico, 1st Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1959)
• Winkie Direko, 3rd Premier of the Free State (1929–2012)
• Hazel Jenkins, 3rd Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1960)
• Noxolo Kiviet, 5th Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1963)
• Hernus Kriel, 1st Premier of the Western Cape (1941–2015)
• Mosiuoa Lekota, 1st Premier of the Free State (born 1948)
• Sylvia Lucas, 4th Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1964)
• David Mabuza, 4th Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1960)
• Ace Magashule, 5th Premier of the Free State (born 1959)
• Supra Mahumapelo, 5th Premier of North West (born 1968)
• David Makhura, 6th Premier of Gauteng (born 1968)
• Thabang Makwetla, 3rd Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1957)
• Peter Marais, 3rd Premier of the Western Cape (born 1948)
• Beatrice Marshoff, 4th Premier of the Free State (born 1957)
• Paul Mashatile, 4th Premier of Gauteng (born 1961)
• Stanley Mathabatha, 4th Premier of Limpopo (born 1957)
• Cassel Mathale, 3rd Premier of Limpopo (born 1961)
• Senzo Mchunu, 6th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1958)
• Willies Mchunu, 7th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1948)
• Frank Mdlalose, 1st Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (1931–2021)
• Raymond Mhlaba, 1st Premier of the Eastern Cape (1920–2005)
• Zweli Mkhize, 5th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1956)
• Thandi Modise, 4th Premier of North West (born 1959)
• Maureen Modiselle, 3rd Premier of North West (born 1941)
• Job Mokgoro, 6th Premier of North West (born 1948)
• Nomvula Mokonyane, 5th Premier of Gauteng (born 1963)
• Popo Molefe, 1st Premier of North West (born 1952)
• Edna Molewa, 2nd Premier of North West (1957–2018)
• Sello Moloto, 2nd Premier of Limpopo (born 1964)
• Gerald Morkel, 2nd Premier of the Western Cape (1941–2018)
• Mathole Motshekga, 2nd Premier of Gauteng (born 1949)
• Lionel Mtshali, 3rd Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (1935–2015)
• Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, 5th Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1972/73)
• S'bu Ndebele, 4th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1948)
• Ben Ngubane, 2nd Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (1941–2021)
• Sisi Ntombela, 6th Premier of the Free State (born 1956/1957)
• Dipuo Peters, 2nd Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1960)
• Mathews Phosa, 1st Premier of Mpumalanga (born 1952)
• Ngoako Ramathlodi, 1st Premier of Limpopo (born 1955)
• Leonard Ramatlakane, (acting) Premier of the Western Cape (born 1953)
• Ebrahim Rasool, 5th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1962)
• Zamani Saul, 5th Premier of the Northern Cape (born 1972)
• Tokyo Sexwale, 1st Premier of Gauteng (born 1953)
• Mbhazima Shilowa, 3rd Premier of Gauteng (born 1958)
• Mbulelo Sogoni, 4th Premier of the Eastern Cape (born 1966)
• Makhenkesi Stofile, 2nd Premier of the Eastern Cape (1944–2016)
• Marthinus van Schalkwyk, 4th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1959)
• Alan Winde, 8th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1965)
• Sihle Zikalala, 8th Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (born 1973)
• Helen Zille, 7th Premier of the Western Cape (born 1951)

Homelands Leaders

• Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of KwaZulu (1928–2023)
• Oupa Gqozo, President of Ciskei (born 1952)
• Gen. Bantu Holomisa, Prime Minister of Transkei (born 1955)
• Chief Thandathu Jongilizwe Mabandla, chief executive officer; Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of Ciskei (1926–2021)
• Dr. Enos John Mabuza, Chief Minister of KaNgwane (1939–1997)
• Prince James Mahlangu, Chief Minister of KwaNdebele (1953–2005)
• Rocky Malebane-Metsing, President of Bophuthatswana (1949–2016)
• Kgosi Lucas Mangope, chief executive officer; Chief Executive Councillor; Chief Minister and President of Bophuthatswana (1923–2018)
• Chief George Matanzima, Prime Minister of Transkei (1918–2000)
• King Kaiser Matanzima, Chief Minister; Prime Minister and President of Transkei (1915–2003)
• Edward Mhinga, acting Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1927–2017)
• Job Mokgoro, Administrator (Transitional Executive Council) of Bophuthatswana (born 1948)
• Kenneth Mopeli, Chief Executive Councillor and Chief Minister of Qwaqwa (1930–2014)
• Chief Patrick Mphephu, chief executive officer; Chief Executive Councillor; Chief Minister and the President of Venda (1924–1988)
• King Tutor Vulindlela Ndamase, President of Transkei (1921–1997)
• Hudson William Edison Ntsanwisi, Chief of Minister of Gazankulu (1920–1993)
• Samuel Dickenson Nxumalo, Chief Minister of Gazankulu (1926–2017)
• Dr. Cedric Phatudi, Chief Minister of Lebowa (1912–1987)
• Gabriel Ramushwana, Head of State of Venda (1941–2015)
• Frank Ravele, Head of State of Venda (1926–1999)
• Lt. Gen. Charles Sebe, acting Chief Minister of Ciskei (died c.1991)
• Chief Lennox Sebe, Chief Minister and President of Ciskei (1926–1994)
• King Botha Sigcau, President of Transkei and father of Stella Sigcau (died c.1978)
• Stella Sigcau, Prime of Transkei (1937–2006)
• Tjaart van der Walt, Administrator Transitional Executive Council of Bophuthatswana (1934–2019)

Administrators of former provinces

• Cornelius Botha, 12th and last Administrator of the Natal Province (1932–2014)
• Stoffel Botha, 10th Administrator of the Natal Province (1929–1998)
• Radclyffe Cadman, 11th Administrator of the Natal Province (1924–2011)
• Dr Willem Adriaan Cruywagen, 10th Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1921–2013)
• Nicolaas Frederic de Waal, 1st Administrator of the Cape Province (1853–1932)
• Jim Fouché, 8th Administrator of the Orange Free State Province (1898–1980)
• Theo Gerdener, 8th Administrator of the Natal Province (1916–2013)
• Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, 3rd Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1894–1948)
• Gene Louw, 13th Administrator of the Cape Province (1931–2015)
• Nico Malan, 10th Administrator of the Cape Province
• William Nico, 7th Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1887–1967)
• Frans Hendrik Odendaal, 8th Administrator of the Transvaal Province (1898–1966)
• Denis Gem Shepstone, 6th Administrator of the Natal Province (1888–1966)
• Alfred Ernest Trollip, 7th Administrator of the Natal Province (1895–1972)
• Johannes Van Rensburg, 6th Administrator of the Orange Free State Province (1898–1966)
• Gideon Brand van Zyl, 5th Administrator of the Cape Province (1873–1956)
• Sir Cornelius Hermanus Wessels, 2nd Administrator of the Orange Free State Province (1851–1924)

Kings, queens, princes and princesses

• Cetshwayo kaMpande, 4th Zulu king (1826–1884)
• Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon, 7th Zulu king (1924–1945)
• Goodwill Zwelethini, 8th king of the Zulu nation (1948–2021)
• Mantifombi Dlamini, wife of Goodwill Zweilithini and former Queen of Zulu nation (1956–2021)
• Mangosuthu Buthelezi, politician and a Zulu prince (1928–2023)
• Dingane kaSenzangakhona, 2nd Zulu king and half-brother of Shaka (1795–1840)
• Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, 5th Zulu king, not officially recognized (1868–1913)
• Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, Aa! Zwelibanzi! King of the Thembu (born 1964)
• Sabata Dalindyebo, Aa! Jonguhlanga! King of the Thembu (1928–1986)
• Faku kaNgqungqushe, King of the Mpondo (1780–1867)
• Hintsa ka Khawuta, Aa! Zanzolo! King of Xhosa Nation (1780–1835)
• Khawuta kaGcaleka, Aa! Khala! King of the Xhosa Nation (1761–1804)
• Langalibalele, Hlubi king (1814–1889)
• Ingwenyama Mayitjha II, 7th Ndebele, king of Ndzundza-Mabhoko (1947–2005)
• Magogo kaDinuzulu, Zulu princess and mother of Mangosuthu Buthelezi (1900–1984)
• Mampuru II, king of the Marota (or Bapedi) (died c.1883)
• Lwandile Matanzima, Aa! Zwelenkosi! King of the Western Thembu (1970/71–2010)
• Luzuko Matiwane, Aa! Zwelozuko! King of AmaMpondomise (born 1978)
• Maselekwane Modjadji, Balobedu's 1st Rain Queen (died 1854)
• Masalanabo Modjadji, Balobedu's 2nd Rain Queen (died 1894)
• Khetoane Modjadji, Balobedu's 3rd Rain Queen (1869–1959)
• Makoma Modjadji, Balobedu's 4th Rain Queen (1905–1980)
• Mokope Modjadji, Balobedu's 5th Rain Queen (1936–2001)
• Makobo Modjadji, Balobedu's 6th Rain Queen (1978–2005)
• Mkabayi kaJama, Zulu princess and sister of Senzangakhona (1750–1843)
• Mpande, 3rd Zulu king and half-brother of Shaka (1798–1872)
• Mthimkhulu II, King of the AmaHlubi (1778–1818)
• Mzilikazi, king of the Matabele (1790–1868)
• Nandi, Mhlongo princess and mother of Shaka (1760–1827)
• Tutor Vulindlela Ndamase, Nyangelizwe! King of the Western Pondo (1921–1997)
• Ngqungqushe kaNyawuza, Mpondo King (1715/1760–1810/1815)
• Ngubengcuka, Aa! Ndaba! prominent king of the abaThembu (died 1830)
• Emma Sandile, (1842–1892), Aa! Emma! Xhosa Princess and the daughter of King Mgolombane Sandile (1842–1892)
• Mgolombane Sandile, Aa! Mgolombane! Xhosa king of the Right Hand House of the Xhosa Nation (1820–1878)
• Zanesizwe Sandile, Aa! Zanesizwe! King of the Right Hand House of the Xhosa Nation (1956–2011)
• Noloyiso Sandile, Aa! Noloyiso! Zulu Princess and Rharhabe Regent Queen (1963–2020)
• Sarili kaHintsa, Aa! Krili! King Of The Xhosa Nation (c. 1810–1892)
• Botha Sigcau, Jongilizwe! King of the Eastern Pondo (died 1978)
• Xolilizwe Sigcawu, Aa! Xolilizwe! Xhosa King (1926–2005)
• Zwelonke Sigcawu, Aa! Zwelonke! Xhosa king (1968–2019)
• Sekhukhune, king of the Marota (or Bapedi) (1814–1882)
• Senzangakhona kaJama, Zulu king and father of Shaka (1762–1816)
• Shaka, founder of the Zulu nation (1787–1828)
• Solomon kaDinuzulu, 6th Zulu king, not officially recognized (1891–1933)
• Victor Thulare III, king of the Pedi (1980–2021)
• uZibhebhu kaMaphitha, Zulu prince and chief (1841–1904)

Tribal leaders and prophets

See also: Gcaleka rulers,
Rharhabe rulers
Ndwandwe people,
Xhosa Chiefs

• Bambatha kaMancinza, Zulu chief of the amaZondi clan and Bambatha Rebellion (1865–1906)
• Chief Albert Luthuli, Zulu chief and political activist (1898–1967)
• Adam Kok, Griqua leader (1811–1875)
• David Stuurman, Khoi chief and political activist (1773–1830)
• Thandatha Jongilizwe Mabandla, Aa! Jongilizwe! amaBhele chief, Tyume Valley, Alice, Ciskei (1926–2021)
• Makhanda, amaXhosa prophet (died 1819)
• Maqoma, Aa! Jongumsobomvu! amaRharhabe chief (1798–1873)
• Chief Mqalo, Amakhuze chief, Ciskei region (1916–2008)
• Moshoeshoe I, Basotho chief (c. 1786–1870)
• Nongqawuse, millennialist amaXhosa prophetess (c. 1840–1898)
• Ntsikana, amaXhosa prophet (1780–1821)
• Lennox Sebe, Chief of AmaNtinde (1926–1994)
• Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau, traditional leader of Lwandlolubomvu Traditional Council (1947–1996)
• Sigananda kaSokufa, Zulu aristocrat (c. 1815–1906)
• Hendrik Spoorbek, prophet and magician (died 1845)
• Mbongeleni Zondi, Zulu chief and great-grandson of Inkosi Bambatha kaMancinza (1969–2009)