From Humble Beginnings to a Billion-Rand Empire: The Rise of Robert Gumede
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| Businessman Robert Gumede and his son's . Image: Gijima |
Robert Gumede is a South African businessman and philanthropist who has become a symbol of entrepreneurial resilience and black economic empowerment. With an estimated net worth of around R3 billion, Gumede's influence spans technology, infrastructure, sports, and philanthropy across Africa. But his journey began far from boardrooms and billion-rand deals in a small town in Mpumalanga.
Humble Beginnings
Born on August 9, 1963, in Nelspruit (now Mbombela), Robert Gumede was one of seven children in a low-income household. From an early age, he juggled odd jobs working as a golf caddie, gardener, and petrol attendant to help support his family. Despite these challenges, he was determined to rise above his circumstances.
After earning a law diploma from the University of Zululand in 1986, Gumede began his career as a court clerk and prosecutor. However, his entrepreneurial spirit soon took over, and in 1988 he founded Gijima Electronic & Security Systems marking the beginning of what would become a business empire.
Building an Empire
Gumede’s early business ventures spanned security services, IT, stationery supplies, and telecoms. In 1997, one of his companies won a significant tender to develop an electronic docket system for South Africa’s justice department a turning point in his rise. He later partnered in major government IT contracts, including a R800 million project for the Department of Home Affairs.
In the mid-2000s, his flagship IT company, GijimaAST, was listed on the JSE. The company won several high-profile tenders, including a controversial R2 billion contract for the National Population Register, although some of these contracts were later canceled or challenged in court.
Gumede eventually formed the Guma Group, a sprawling conglomerate with interests in over a dozen sectors: IT infrastructure, cloud services, mining, real estate, healthcare, tourism, rail, renewable energy, and more. The group reportedly employs over 12,000 people globally.
Philanthropy and Influence
Beyond business, Gumede is a committed philanthropist. His Robert Gumede Family Keni Foundation focuses on education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and social upliftment especially for children of single mothers. Over the years, the foundation has provided scholarships, donated to hospitals, and supported numerous community projects across South Africa.
Gumede is also known for his strong support of the African National Congress (ANC). He has donated vehicles and campaign funding to the party but insists he has no political aspirations.
A Man of Many Passions
Gumede’s interests extend into sports. He was the owner of Dangerous Darkies FC, a football team he helped propel to South Africa’s Premier Soccer League in the 1990s. He also held a 49% stake in the Golden Lions rugby franchise. In December 2022, his contributions to sport and development were recognized when he was appointed to the FIFA Foundation's advisory board.
Lifestyle and Legacy
Living a life that reflects his achievements, Gumede owns several luxurious properties, including a widely publicized mansion in Mpumalanga often dubbed “Mpumalanga’s White House.” His story continues to inspire a generation of South Africans striving to rise through innovation, education, and grit.
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