Robert Gumede Biography: Net Worth, House, Cars, Wife, Private Jet, Daughter, Son & Family

Biography

Robert Gumede is a South African businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder of the IT firm Gijima Technologies and its holding company Gijima Group. Gumede is open about his political and financial support for the governing party of South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC). He also has a close friendship with former ANC treasurer general Mathews Phosa. In 2016, Gumede donated 12 vehicles to the ANC’s election campaign for the South African municipal elections m. According to The Daily Maverick, “Gumede is part of an economic elite in South Africa that owes its existence to a system of patronage created by the African National Congress.”

In an article published in 2018, Sunday Times alleged that Gumede provided substantial support to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s election campaign during the Zimbabwean general election that year. Note that it is illegal for foreigners to fund local elections in the country. Gumede denied the allegations and called the article “fake news.”

Gumede studied at the University of Zululand and graduated in 1986 with a diploma in law. He worked as a clerk after graduation and as a prosecutor at the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court. He also worked for the Ministry of Justice for some time before leaving the position in 1988. To start his business career, he founded Gijima Electronic And Security Systems.

Net Worth

According to several reports by the South African media, Robert Gumede is one of the wealthiest men in the country. The South African revealed in a 2023 article that “according to unconfirmed reports, Gumede’s net worth is between R2.8 and R3 billion. Freshers Live reported in February 2023 that Gumede has a net worth of $200 million. He reportedly made his fortune from doing business, entrepreneurship, and investing.

House

Gumede’s house is in a picturesque plot in Mpumalanga province and overlooks Mbombela, according to Briefly.co. The house is situated on a 10-acre property.

Car

Gumede owns several expensive cars. In 2019, he bought his son Robert Junior a yellow Porsche GT3 for passing matric.

Wife

Robert Gumede is happily married to Portia Gumede or Mkhize, a well-known philanthropist and businesswoman. Portia is actively involved in charitable work in South Africa. She has supported and championed many initiatives to help better lives in South Africa.

Private Jet

Robert Gumede is not only a billionaire, but he also lives the life of a billionaire. On his 50th birthday in 2013, the South African businessman was gifted a private jet by his family. It was a 12-seater Challenger 604 private jet, and his wife handed it to him. His wife, Portia, who was pregnant at the time, confessed to “clearing out the piggy banks” to buy her husband the jet. The gift was announced in the presence of 1000 guests who attended the birthday party. Kenny Lattimore and Rick Ross performed at the event.

Daughters & Sons

Robert and Portia Gumede have five children together, two sons and three daughters. Their children are Nompumelelo, Xolisile, Sibu, Nqobile, and Simphiwe Gumede. They have all contributed to the success of their father’s businesses.

One of his sons, Simphiwe Gumede, is famously known as Sim Dope. Sim Dope is a well-known rapper and musician in South Africa who gained a massive following for his unique style and sound. Sim has collaborated with several famous South African musicians and dropped hit songs. He also has a son named Matana Robert Junior Gumede.

Family

Robert Gumede was raised as one of seven children by his mother and grandmother in the town of Nelspruit, South Africa. To support his family in his youth, he worked as a golf caddie, gardener, and petrol attendant.

The Gumede family is renowned for their business acumen and philanthropic efforts.