SA billionaire Koos Bekker banks R2.5 billion in Naspers Prosus share sales

South African billionaire Koos Bekker has realised approximately R2.5 billion from the sale of shares in major JSE-listed companies Naspers and Prosus, marking another significant asset realisation by one of the country’s most prominent business figures.

According to regulatory filings and company statements Bekker’s family trust sold shares in multiple transactions between 17 and 19 December 2025 totalling about R2.47 billion.

The disposals included ordinary shares in both Naspers and Prosus and were undertaken to fund building operations at luxury hospitality venues in South Africa the United Kingdom and Italy where the trust holds direct interests.

The share sales were executed in tranches over three trading days with approximately 1.5 million Prosus shares and 792 800 Naspers ordinary shares sold during the period.

Despite the sizeable sale the family trust retains around 90% of its previous holding in both companies indicating continued confidence in the long term prospects of the two groups.

Bekker’s investment ambitions extend beyond listed equities into the luxury hospitality sector where he and his wife Karen Roos have developed high-end estates including the Babylonstoren Wine Estate near Franschhoek, The Newt in Somerset England and Vignamaggio a historic Tuscan property near Florence.

The properties combine luxury accommodation fine dining and extensive leisure facilities and have been central to the trust’s asset expansion strategy.

Bekker who served as Naspers CEO for nearly two decades and now chairs both Naspers and its Amsterdam-based spin-off Prosus helped transform the South African publisher into one of the world’s largest technology investors.

BUSINESS REPORT