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Some of the best Forex traders in South Africa are:

Reabetswe Shongwe — is one of the wealthiest young female forex traders in Africa

Ref Wayne — Trading made him a multimillionaire at age 22

Jabulani Ngcobo — Currently, he has an estimated net worth of $2.4 billion

Louis Tshakoane — is the founder and president of Undercover Millionaire's Currency

Over time, forex trading has allowed many individuals to become millionaires despite its inherent risk. Many people might think that forex traders succeed because they are "lucky" or enter the market just when it is right for them.

Foreign exchange markets do not operate according to luck, which is more closely associated with gambling than forex trading. Nevertheless, it is true that you should enter the market at the right time.

In order to be a successful trader, you need to know when to enter and exit the market.

Traders need to have a solid trading strategy and key indicators that will give them the information they need when they enter, place their risk management tools, and close their trades.

Trading forex successfully requires more than timing. The most important factor is a good understanding of the market. Let's take a look at the 10 most successful forex traders in South Africa.

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Top 10 Richest Forex Traders In South Africa

Reabetswe Shongwe

Despite starting out as a low-paid retail sales assistant, Reabetswe Shongwe became one of the wealthiest young female forex traders in Africa. Currently, she is a member of the Women in Forex and Entrepreneurship (W.I.F.E.) division of Trade4Africa, one of the most well-known financial organizations in the world.

As a result of the growing awareness of forex trading potentials and the increasing demand for job opportunities in the digitalized world, forex trading in Africa has experienced massive growth over the last few years. According to these success stories, African traders have an excellent opportunity to become rich and successful in forex trading. By hard work and dedication, anything can be achieved, especially now that the forex market is available to everyone regardless of country, background, gender, or age.

Ref Wayne

Forex trader Ref Wayne is without a doubt one of the best in South Africa. Growing up, Ref Wayne did not have many career development opportunities which allowed him to develop the trading skills that he could put to use in the business. Trading made him a multimillionaire at age 22, making him one of South Africa's top 10 forex traders.

Wayne not only created the first South African cryptocurrency called Pip Coin, but he also teaches financial literacy to the country's residents. Additionally, Wayne has published free forex lessons and created an African Forex Institute.

Richest Forex Traders in the World - Top 10 - What Are Their Secrets?

Jabulani Ngcobo

Among South Africa's richest self-made millionaires, Jabulani Ngcobo, 37, made his millions through Forex trading.

Currently, he has an estimated net worth of $2.4 billion, but that number could grow.

Prior to becoming successful, Jabulani worked as a casual laborer at Toyota for eight months carrying doors. After leaving in 2006, he started his first debt collection company in 2009, and in 2010, he started his forex trading company, Cashflow Pro.

Jabulani pursues other interests besides trading, such as motivational speaking and writing. Known for his financial wisdom, he has written a biography called Cashflow Naked.

Louis Tshakoane

Louis Tshakoane is the founder and president of Undercover Millionaire's Currency, which is based in South Africa. It was Louis Tshakoane's goal to create a platform for business people to exchange ideas and strategies, making a positive impact on the community in the process.

The sales and revenue for his latest book Forex Millionaire in 365 Days by God's Grace have crossed R2+ Million. In the past five years, he has built up a huge African following, and his book has sold well, and over 2000 preorders have been placed.

There are over 5,000 subscribers to Louis Tshakoane's free forex signals Telegram channel, in addition to the million followers he has on Facebook and Instagram. He provides forex signals for free to those who cannot afford to purchase premium signals.

Shaun Benjamin

Benjamin graduated from Newcastle High School in 2012 and earned his first million Rands when he was 21 years old. As a result of circumstances, he started trading forex, and he quit his job after raising the funds to establish the Benjamin Forex Academy.

An entrepreneur, property investor, and miner, Shaun Benjamin is also founder and CEO of Benjamin Forex Academy and director of Benjamin Investment Group (Pty) Ltd.

As a graduate of Newcastle High School in 2012, he was accepted to study engineering, but he had to abandon his studies due to financial difficulties.

Shaun Benjamin acquired a National Certificate in underground coal blasting operations from Khethekile Mining in Newcastle. Forex trading became his passion. He eventually quit his job after saving enough money and founded Benjamin Forex Academy to teach others his skills.

With the goal of helping others attain financial freedom and reducing unemployment, Benjamin Forex Academy is the only non-profit training center in South Africa.

Top 7 Successful Forex Traders You Should Know

Nelisiwe Masango

Nelisiwe Masango is the CEO of Ubuntu Invest, a forex trading company. In her youth, Nelisiwe planned to become a neurosurgeon, but she developed a love for investing and finance instead. Aside from winning several awards, Nelisiwe Masango has also received the Frost & Sullivan African Growth Innovation & Leadership Award.

Educating people about wealth generation and financial freedom is Nelisiwi's personal mission.

Paballo Nkwe

Danielle Lester and Paballo Nkwe are two powerful women who are changing the forex industry in South Africa. Danielle Lester and Paballo Nkwe own iSelect Wealth together. Using technology and financial intelligence, Paballo Nkwe and Danielle Lester have created platforms and models that can be used by individuals, startups, South African forex traders, and companies.

The Incubation program Paballo and Danielle run teaches female students at South African universities about finances, forex trading, and how to invest for the future.

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Simz D’mandla

Simz D'mandla, founder and CEO of Trade4Africa and The African Millionaires Program, is one of the most successful forex traders on the African continent.

A hobby of D'mandla's during high school developed into a full-time career as a forex trader implementing smart trading strategies. In his early twenties, D'mandla became a self-made millionaire.

In addition to his trading career, the successful trader is also an angel investor, philanthropist, business strategist, and a visionary with a goal of elevating the African economy.

Sandile Shezi

Sandile Shezi is a forex trader with an impressive success story that is worth mentioning. He started trading foreign exchange with his tuition money.

When Sandile Shezi took a massive risk and invested all of his money in forex trading, he lived in a ghetto and attended the local school. Now he is one of the richest forex traders in South Africa. As a result of this investment, Sandile Shezi was able to make a solid profit, which led him to be ranked as one of the top South African forex traders.

His company Global forex Institute teaches young entrepreneurs about forex trading, strategies, and tools for creating powerful trading strategies.

In addition to transforming the minds and lives of young people on the African Continent, the Sandile Shezi Foundation is a non-profit organization, built to enhance Africa's education, health and wealth, so that Africans can take part in the nation's development.

George Van Der Riet

Before making his first investments, George Van Der Riet did not just get adventurous and invest all he had into the Forex exchange market, but instead slowly learned about it. After growing up in Cape Town, George moved to Manchester to further his education in finance.

He worked in financial institutions such as banks and the forex industry during the years he spent in the United Kingdom. George Riet used this experience to become a professional in the forex industry. His journey to becoming one of the most successful forex traders in South Africa began after he decided that he had learned enough and was ready to invest by himself.

After returning to South Africa, George was offered various job positions by different companies because of his good reputation. Nevertheless, he was set in his ways and only considered his own venture. George and Sandile Shezi met at that time in 2010, and the meeting was very helpful to both of them. Throughout the years, George Riet mentored him and saw his potential. Both traders are among South Africa's top 10 richest forex traders as a result.

Together with Sandile Shezi, George Van Der Riet leads the Global Forex Institute. The aim of both of them is to provide more financial market knowledge to young people in South Africa.

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Danielle Lester

Danielle Lester is an esteemed entrepreneur and seasoned forex trader, boasting an impressive track record of over 15 years in the financial services industry. Holding the position of CEO at iSelect Group, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the field of investment. Together with Paballo Nkwe, Danielle co-owns Benjamin Investment Group, a company that has garnered considerable recognition.

Acknowledged by Forbes as an expert in the forex realm, Danielle Lester's expertise has also been featured in esteemed publications such as Business Insider. Beyond her achievements in finance, Danielle is a driving force behind women empowerment and serves as a mentor to aspiring individuals.

Passionate about investment solutions, Danielle Lester actively engages with investment markets and plays a pivotal role in facilitating the management of liquidated retirement funds. Her qualifications include a Wealth Management certification, an Honors degree in Marketing, and a qualification in Occupational Risk Auditing.

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What do successful Forex traders have in common?

Here are some common traits and practices of successful Forex traders:

  • Discipline. They follow a trading plan and stick to it, even when emotions make them want to deviate. This includes cutting losses quickly and letting winners run.

  • Risk management. They manage risk by using stop losses, limiting position size, and diversifying trades. They don't risk more than 1-2% of their account on any single trade.

  • Education. They constantly study the markets, read books and articles, take courses, and keep up with news and data releases. Knowledge is power in Forex trading.

  • Analyzing charts. They use technical analysis tools to identify trading opportunities and market conditions. Charts help successful traders spot trends and reversals.

  • Managing emotions. They don't let fear, greed, or other emotions impact trading decisions. Successful traders are rational and act objectively.

  • Patience. They wait for high-probability trading setups rather than over-trading. Patience allows successful traders to wait out market volatility.

  • Adaptability. They are flexible in changing market conditions. Successful traders can quickly adjust their strategies as needed.

  • Consistency. They trade their plans consistently, not sporadically. Persistence and consistency are key to long-term trading success.

The common thread is that successful Forex traders are disciplined, knowledgeable, and treat trading like a business rather than gambling. They follow a methodical approach.

How to Become Successful Forex Trader in South Africa

Some of the most successful forex traders in South Africa followed these tips to get to where they are today:

  • Learn, practice, and strategize.

  • The first step on the road to success is learning, and you should never underestimate its importance. You should learn as much as you can about the forex industry if you want to succeed. For forex traders looking to learn more about making money in the markets, there are many guides, videos, and books available.

  • Practice only as much as you need. You should begin practicing as soon as you feel confident enough to become a successful trader. To practice, you should use demo accounts, which allow you to trade without risking any money. Spending too much time on the demo account will make it harder for you to go to the real account where losses will affect your wallet.

  • Avoid emotional trading. For many traders, emotional trading is their biggest problem. If you see your trading not going according to your expectations, you engage in emotional trading. While feeling emotional, you make trades without any reasoning, you just pick what looks best for you at the time and go ahead with it straight away. Trading like this is rarely successful. Losing more and getting even more emotional is what happens most.

  • Learn from your mistakes. Trading is not a robot-like activity, but rather a human that makes mistakes. Rather than getting angry at yourself for making mistakes, try to learn from them. Keeping a record of your trades will help you achieve that. When you are a beginner, these tips are invaluable, but as you become more experienced, they can be even more helpful.

5 Forex Trading Tips to Be a Successful Trader

What Are Typical Mistakes Beginner Traders Make?

Below are some of the most common mistakes beginner forex traders make.

  • Not doing your homework

  • Risking more than you can afford

  • Trading without a safety net

  • Overreacting

  • Trading from scratch

  • Trading with emotion

  • Trading without any money and risk management rules

  • Averaging down (or up) to redeem losing positions

  • Using excessive leverage

  • Having unrealistic expectations

Is Forex Trading a Good Career in South Africa?

Most people are curious about the South African financial market, but do not have a thorough understanding of how it works.

For the forex market, currency pairs are commodities that represent the value of two different national currencies. There are two currencies stated in the pair: one is the base currency and the other is the quotation currency.

The ever-stricter financial realities we are now faced with have made forex trading more popular. You can start making money here without leaving your house. And you do not need a lot of money to get started. The first step is finding the right broker that will provide you with the best possible trading conditions and fees. Choosing a broker that places a high value on fair trading conditions and prompt payouts is essential for secure forex trading.

Unlike other markets, forex does not charge fees for trading activities, except for the market difference between bid and ask prices.

Certain brokers offer their clients the opportunity to gain trading knowledge and participate in the global market. South Africa's financial services industry is booming thanks to the broker. To entice new investors and encourage the comparatively old ones to become loyal clients, many brokers in the FX industry offer promotions for traders.

Just like any other job, trading in foreign currencies requires certain knowledge, skills, and moral qualities.

Trading books, articles, and videos will be easier to understand if you are familiar with the terminology and fundamental principles of the forex language. For math-savvy and persistent people, this can be a good career. However, beginners should understand that trading is risky and most beginners lose money. However, there are many successful forex traders' stories about people who made it big with this trading style. You may have imagined that these stories would come from well-developed nations, but they are more often coming from developing nations like South Africa.

Will I Have to Pay Tax On My Forex Earnings in South Africa?

Taxation of forex earnings in South Africa is contingent upon whether an individual is classified as a resident or non-resident for tax purposes.

Resident Taxation

Residents are obligated to disclose all income and profits derived from forex trading on their annual tax returns. Forex traders earning over R79,000 annually are subject to a progressive tax system ranging from 18% to 45%. To illustrate, if a trader generates R100,000 per year in trading profits, they will be taxed on the R21,000 exceeding the R79,000 threshold.

Non-resident Taxation

Non-residents, on the other hand, are only liable to pay taxes on income earned within South Africa. Nevertheless, non-residents conducting business in the country may be subject to taxation on income derived from that business.

Recognize that forex trading has been classified as speculative in South Africa, and therefore, any profits or losses incurred are subject to income tax. Traders must dutifully declare their profits or losses to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in compliance with taxation regulations.

How Much Do Successful South African Traders Earn?

The average amount of money forex traders in South Africa typically make falls within R10,000 to R50,000 per month. However, it's important to understand that the earnings of successful traders can vary significantly based on their competence, trading plans, and strategies.

It's important to note that the income of successful Forex traders is not limited, and the highest-performing traders can earn millions of South African Rand per year. These traders have honed their skills over a considerable period and possess a deep understanding of the markets.

Some of the wealthiest and most accomplished forex traders in South Africa, such as Jabulani Ngcobo and Shaun Benjamin, have amassed substantial fortunes through their forex trading endeavours. On average, a trader in South Africa can expect to make approximately $50 or around R433 ZAR per day.

That said, many beginners may initially experience losses in trading and need to gradually develop their skills to earn substantial profits. Achieving success as a trader requires continuous learning, adapting strategies to market conditions, and implementing effective risk management techniques.

While there is no predetermined limit to how much a successful trader can earn, it is crucial to understand that Forex trading involves inherent risks, and consistent profits are not guaranteed. Traders must assess their risk tolerance, set realistic goals, and stay informed about market trends to increase their chances of earning significant income as South African traders.

Do I Need To Be Wealthy to Start Trading Forex in South Africa?

No, you do not need to be wealthy to start trading Forex in South Africa. One of the advantages of Forex trading is that many brokers offer low entry thresholds, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals. For instance, brokers like RoboForex allow traders to start with as little as $10.

This means that even with a modest amount of capital, you can begin your Forex trading journey. While having more funds at your disposal can provide greater flexibility, profitability in Forex trading depends on skill, knowledge, and effective risk management rather than the size of your initial investment. With proper education, practice, and discipline, anyone can enter the world of Forex trading, regardless of their financial status.

Is Forex Legit in South Africa?

Forex trading is fully legal in South Africa. It is regulated and controlled by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This regulatory authority makes sure that brokers do not violate the law. In addition to the FSCA, there are also other regulators. When you choose a broker in South Africa, it is important to find a company that not simply offers good conditions, but also operates in the legal field. This will be a guarantee of safety of your personal information and that your financial partner will operate in good faith. Forex is an international currency market, where banks, financial institutions and traders buy and sell assets, and earn money on their changing value. For retail investors, Forex is available only through a broker that acts as a connecting link and is responsible for ensuring fair trade execution and that traders can quickly withdraw their money. This kind of a financial partner provides a trading account, software, leverage, etc.

Expert Opinion

The financial services industry in South Africa is actively developing, providing all the legislative and financial conditions for Forex trading. Some traders currently earn a few hundred dollars monthly, while others have become millionaires through portfolio diversification, a well-constructed trading strategy, and determination. Their experience will be beneficial for those just starting their trading journey. Traders need to assess their risk tolerance, set realistic goals, and stay informed about market trends to increase their chances of earning a good income.

Anastasiia Chabaniuk

Anastasiia Chabaniuk

Author, Financial Expert at Traders Union

FAQs

Who is the most popular forex trader?

The popularity of forex traders can change over time and may be subjective. However, some well-known forex traders globally have gained popularity, such as George Soros and Warren Buffett, though they are not exclusively associated with South Africa.

How many successful forex traders are there in South Africa?

The exact number of successful forex traders in South Africa is difficult to determine, but there are many individuals who have achieved success in the field.

Is forex profitable South Africa?

Forex trading can be profitable in South Africa, but it comes with risks. Success depends on individual trading skills, strategies, and risk management. Traders should be prepared for the possibility of losses and seek proper education and guidance.

Do forex traders pay tax in SA?

Yes, forex traders in South Africa are generally required to pay taxes on their trading profits. Taxation regulations can vary, and traders should consult with tax authorities or professionals to ensure compliance with tax laws.

Team that worked on the article

Mikhail Vnuchkov
Author at Traders Union

Mikhail Vnuchkov joined Traders Union as an author in 2020. He began his professional career as a journalist-observer at a small online financial publication, where he covered global economic events and discussed their impact on the segment of financial investment, including investor income. With five years of experience in finance, Mikhail joined Traders Union team, where he is in charge of forming the pool of latest news for traders, who trade stocks, cryptocurrencies, Forex instruments and fixed income.

The area of responsibility of Mikhail includes covering the news of currency and stock markets, fact checking, updating and editing the content published on the Traders Union website. He successfully analyzes complex financial issues and explains their meaning in simple and understandable language for ordinary people. Mikhail generates content that provides full contact with the readers.

Mikhail’s motto: Learn something new and share your experience – never stop!

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

The topics he covers include trading signals, cryptocurrencies, Forex brokers, stock brokers, expert advisors, binary options. He has also worked on the ratings of brokers and many other materials.

Dr. BJ Johnson’s motto: It always seems impossible until it’s done. You can do it.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). Mirjan is a cryptocurrency and stock trader. This deep understanding of the finance sector allows her to create informative and engaging content that helps readers easily navigate the complexities of the crypto world.