# Nicky Oppenheimer South African billionaire businessman, third generation of the Oppenheimer mining dynasty. Former chairman of De Beers (1998–2012) and former deputy chairman of Anglo American. Sold the family's 40% stake in De Beers to Anglo American in 2012 for $5.2 billion, ending 85 years of Oppenheimer control over the global diamond trade. Now heads a sprawling ecosystem of commercial ventures, philanthropic organizations, and civil society initiatives through the family holding structure Oppenheimer Generations. Rhodes Trustee since 2015. One of the most politically connected private actors in Africa, with a civil society footprint that spans policy think tanks, conservation, education, entrepreneurship, and SMME support. **Online **: **Organization**: Oppenheimer Generations (Chairman) **Location**: Johannesburg, South Africa (also has a country estate in Berkshire, England) --- ## Entries ### Background Born 8 June 1945 in Johannesburg. Son of Harry Oppenheimer and Bridget McCall; grandson of Anglo American founder Ernest Oppenheimer. Father was of German-Jewish and Czech-Jewish descent; converted to Anglicanism. During the 1980s, the Oppenheimers controlled approximately 90% of the global diamond market. Net worth estimated at approximately $10.6–12.3 billion (Bloomberg/Forbes, 2025). ### Key business vehicles - **Oppenheimer Generations** — Umbrella holding structure for all Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer family interests (commercial and non-profit) - **Oppenheimer Partners** — Global investment group (est. 2016), permanent capital deployment across major markets ### The Oppenheimer Philantropies The Oppenheimer family operates one of the most extensive private civil society ecosystems in Africa, spanning policy advice, conservation research, education, entrepreneurship support, and emergency relief #### The [[Brenthurst Foundation]] (2004–2025) Johannesburg-based think tank focused on strengthening Africa's economic performance. Founded by Nicky and his son, [[Jonathan Oppenheimer]]; directed for 20 years by Dr. [[Greg Mills]] (formerly National Director of the South African Institute of International Affairs). Published extensively on African governance, economic reform and democratic consolidation. Activities included high-level government dialogues, study tours to Asia and Latin America, election observation missions (notably in Somaliland), and advisory projects with heads of state across Ghana, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and others. Hosted the Gdańsk Declaration conference (2023) on rolling back authoritarianism. Its board included seven former African presidents or prime ministers, including Olusegun Obasanjo, [[Ellen Johnson Sirleaf]], Ernest Bai Koroma, [[Kgalema Motlanthe]], Ian Khama, Hailemariam Desalegn, and Moeketsi Majoro. **Closure (July 2025):** Research Director [[Ray Hartley]] announced the closure on LinkedIn. Officially attributed to Greg Mills' retirement. However, journalist Simon Allison ([The Continent](https://continent.substack.com/p/even-for-the-oppenheimers-money-cant)) reported that Jonathan Oppenheimer and Mills had a confrontation at Brenthurst's Johannesburg office, with Oppenheimer allegedly telling Mills the foundation had failed to deliver value on his investment. ### [[Oppenheimer Generations Foundation]] Philanthropic arm focused on generating positive impact through catalytic grants in underfunded areas. Supports interventions that are replicable and scalable. Partners with the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance since 2020, sponsoring six entrepreneurs annually through the Oppenheimer Knowledge Transfer Initiative (KTI) Fellows program. ### Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Founded in 1958 by Harry Oppenheimer. Long tradition of investing in education, public interest activities, and other philanthropic causes. The Oppenheimer family donated an additional R1 billion to the OMT in 2012. ### South African Future Trust (SAFT) Established in March 2020 with R1 billion ($55 million) donated by Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer to provide emergency financial relief to employees of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Operates as a public benefit organization with an independent Board of Trustees including [[Graça Machel]], Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Jonathan Oppenheimer, Thandi Orleyn, and Barend Petersen. Now focused on ongoing SMME support and economic growth acceleration. ### Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation (OGRC) Catalyzes targeted research and bridges dialogue between research and practice to create impact in African landscapes. Supports human wellbeing, landscape protection, and better human-nature relationships. Hosts the annual Oppenheimer Research Conference. ### The Diamond Route Partnership between the Oppenheimer family and De Beers (est. 2006) linking 8 conservation sites across northern South Africa — from Namaqualand on the west coast to Kimberley, Tswalu Kalahari, Brenthurst Gardens in Johannesburg, Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, and the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve. Focused on conservation, research, and environmental awareness.