South Africa is a nation of sports enthusiasts, and its athletes have achieved great success at the international level. From rugby and cricket to athletics and golf, South African athletes have excelled in a range of sports, earning fame and fortune along the way. Many of us take these metrics into consideration when sports betting; hoping to get the edge. In this article, we will take a look at some of the highest earning South African athletes, highlighting their achievements and the financial rewards that come with them.

1. Kevin Anderson

Kevin Anderson is a professional tennis player from South Africa who has been active on the international circuit for over a decade. He turned professional in 2007 and has since won six ATP titles and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 5 in July 2018. Anderson is best known for his strong serve and his deep runs in major tournaments, having reached two Grand Slam finals in his career so far. As of 2021, Anderson’s career earnings on the ATP tour are over $20 million, making him the highest earning South African athlete of all time.

2. Wayde van Niekerk

Wayde van Niekerk is a track and field athlete who specializes in the 400-meter race. He made his international debut at the 2011 World Youth Championships and has since gone on to become one of the most successful South African athletes of all time. In 2016, van Niekerk won the gold medal in the 400m at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, setting a new world record in the process with a time of 43.03 seconds. He also won gold in the 400m at the 2017 World Championships in London. Van Niekerk’s earnings from endorsements and prize money are estimated to be over $10 million.

3. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers is a former professional cricketer who played for the South African national team. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time and was known for his innovative shot-making and ability to score quickly. De Villiers retired from international cricket in 2018 but continues to play in domestic T20 leagues around the world. He has endorsement deals with several major brands, including Puma and Montblanc, and his net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.

4. Caster Semenya

Caster Semenya is a middle-distance runner who specializes in the 800m and 1500m races. She burst onto the international scene in 2009, winning gold in the 800m at the World Championships in Berlin. Semenya has since won two Olympic gold medals, three World Championships, and multiple Commonwealth Games and African Championships titles. She has also been the subject of controversy due to her naturally high levels of testosterone, which led to a lengthy legal battle with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Despite the challenges she has faced, Semenya remains one of the highest earning South African athletes, with an estimated net worth of over $5 million.

5. Ernie Els

Ernie Els is a professional golfer who has won four major championships in his career. He turned professional in 1989 and has since won over 70 tournaments around the world. Els is also known for his philanthropic work through the Els for Autism Foundation, which aims to raise awareness and funds for autism research and support. He has endorsement deals with several major brands, including Callaway, Rolex, and SAP, and his net worth is estimated to be around $85 million.

6. Siya Kolisi

Siya Kolisi is a rugby union player who captained the South African national team to victory in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. He made his international debut in 2013 and has since become one of the most respected players in the National Springbok team. He reportedly has a healthy net worth of $5 million. No doubt his exploits and success on the rugby field have catapulted him into this list.

However much the athletes on this list have made, it does not compare to the pride and joy that they have brought to the nation. Sportingbet salutes these and other South African sports heroes.