How Johan Van Zyl became one of SA’s most powerful CEOs

Johan Van Zyl didn’t just climb the academic ladder, he sprinted to the top and then made an extraordinary leap into South Africa’s business elite. With two doctorate degrees and a trailblazing career in academia, Van Zyl’s transition into corporate leadership wasn’t just rare, it was remarkable. “Business has always been a major part of my career,” Van Zyl told Smart Money with Alishia Seckam, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a man who mastered both economics and enterprise.

Two doctorates, one mission: Academic Johan Van Zyl’s academic record reads like a blueprint for brilliance. He earned his B.Sc, B.



Sc (Hons), M.Sc, and D.Sc in Agricultural Economics from the University of Pretoria.

Not stopping there, he completed a PhD in Economics from VISTA University, joining a rare class of scholars with dual doctoral degrees. He began his career as an economist with the South African government and NAMPO, quickly earning respect for his insights into agriculture and economic policy. Shaping minds and institutions In 1983, Van Zyl joined the University of Pretoria as a lecturer in agricultural economics.

He soon rose through the ranks, becoming the dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. There, he spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Postgraduate School of Agricultural and Rural Development and the world-renowned Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI). By 1996, he shattered expectations when, at just 39, he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria.

Under his leadership, the university flourished as a hub of innovation and excellence. “Eventually, you get tired of talking about business—I wanted to start doing it,” Van Zyl said, explaining his bold move from academia to the corporate world. Commanding the boardroom: From Santam to Sanlam Van Zyl didn’t dip his toes into business—he dove in.

In 2001, he became the CEO of Santam, one of South Africa’s leading short-term insurers. His rapid success paved the way for a bigger role: in 2003, he was appointed group CEO of Sanlam, a financial services giant, where he remained until 2015. His leadership earned admiration across the industry.

Executives and investors alike respected his deep understanding of insurance, investment strategy, and financial markets. Van Zyl brought academic precision and visionary thinking to the boardroom, qualities that transformed the companies he led. Partnering with Patrice Motsepe: New era of impact investing After retiring from Sanlam, billionaire Patrice Motsepe approached Van Zyl with an ambitious vision, to build a new kind of investment firm.

Together, they launched Ubuntu-Botho Investments and African Rainbow Capital (ARC), with Van Zyl serving as CEO and co-CEO respectively. They raised R10 billion, R5 billion through borrowings and another R5 billion by listing ARC on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Their investment portfolio reads like a list of South Africa’s most promising ventures: Rain, TymeBank, Kropz Group, Afrimat, AlexForbes, A2X, and Val de Vie.

With each investment, they aimed to do more than generate profit—they wanted to empower millions. “What we do at African Rainbow Capital makes a difference to millions of people in South Africa,” Van Zyl noted. And he meant it.

TymeBank has become a beacon of financial inclusion. While Rain continues to disrupt the broadband industry by offering affordable internet access across the country. Rare breed: Academic, entrepreneur, visionary Van Zyl defied expectations by proving that academic excellence and business acumen are not mutually exclusive.

His success stems from the unique blend of analytical thinking and strategic execution that he honed over decades. “The academic world is repetitive, and by nature, you have great momentum,” he explained. “However, you must make your own way in the business world.

When you stop paddling, you stop.” His journey from the lecture halls of Pretoria to the executive suites of Johannesburg stands as a powerful testament to what’s possible when intelligence, ambition, and purpose collide. Stay tuned with The South African as we explain How Johan Van Zyl became one of SA’s most powerful CEOs.

What do you think of Van Zyl’s journey? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X , and Bluesky for the latest news..