They are often sarcastically referred to as the “Stellenbosch Mafia,” and many argue that the club of billionaires living in and around this Boland village is the worst example of white monopoly capital. Writer and journalist Pieter du Toit investigated Stellenbosch, one of the wealthiest towns in the country, often described by many as a cornerstone of Afrikanerdom, the birthplace of many Afrikaner intellectuals, political leaders, and numerous businessmen and their business empires. Du Toit critically examines the club: Who are they? How are they connected? What networks have emerged through shared directorships, alliances, and family ties? He offers an intimate look at Johann Rupert’s business empire and describes the rise of Markus Jooste and the impact of the Steinhoff scandal on Stellenbosch.

Pieter du Toit is a bestselling author and assistant editor at News24.