Robert Gumede is a prominent South African businessman and philanthropist, best known as the founder of Gijima Technologies, a leading IT company in South Africa.
He rose to prominence through his business ventures and significant contributions to the IT industry, making him one of the richest individuals in the country.
Gumede is also recognized for his political influence and philanthropy, frequently supporting community development and educational initiatives.
File
- – Full name: Robert Matana Gumede
- – Date of birth: August 9, 1963
- – Age: 61 years old
- – Gender: Male
- – Place of birth: Nelspruit, South Africa
- – Nationality: South African
- – Occupation: Businessman, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
- – Height: None
- – Parents: None
- – Siblings: 7
- – Spouse: Portia Mkhize (current), Zongi Ndlela-Gumede (former)
- – Children: Jabu Gumede, Themba Gumede, Nompumelelo Gumede, Xolisile Gumede, Sibu Gumede, Nqobile Gumede, Simphiwe Gumede (Sim Dope), Matana Robert Junior Gumede
- – Relationship status: Married
- – Religion: None
- – Ethnicity: Zulu
- – Net worth: $200 million to $210 million
Early life and education
Robert Gumede was born on August 9, 1963 in Nelspruit, South Africa. He is now 61 years old. His mother and grandmother raised him as one of seven children.
His childhood was marked by financial hardship, forcing him to work a variety of jobs, including petrol station attendant, gardener and golf club porter, to support his family. He completed his primary education locally before enrolling at the University of Zululand, where he graduated with a law degree in 1986.
Personal life
Robert Gumede’s personal life included two marriages and a large family. He was first married to Zongi Ndlela-Gumede, with whom he had four children, including Jabu and Themba Gumede. Their marriage ended in 2007 amid allegations and financial disputes.
In 2010, Gumede married Portia Mkhize, a medical doctor and former Miss Durban, in a lavish ceremony attended by prominent South African figures. They have three children: Keni, Natane and Matana Robert Junior Gumede.
Career
Gumede began his career as a clerk and prosecutor at the Kabokweni Magistrate Court and later worked for the Ministry of Justice. He left his government position in 1988 to pursue business interests, founding Gijima Electronic and Security Systems.
In the mid-1990s, he founded a number of companies under the Gijima name, serving various fields, including IT, security and stationery. Most notable among these ventures was Gijima Technologies, founded in 1997, which secured major government contracts for IT solutions.
Gijima Technologies was later incorporated as GijimaAST, expanding its services and securing additional contracts with government organizations such as Telkom.
Prize
- South African Branch of World Entrepreneur of the Year (2005, Runner-up)
Net worth
Robert Gumede’s net worth is between $200 million and $210 million. His wealth comes mainly from his business ventures in the IT sector and many other sectors through his holdings in the Guma Group.
Argumentative
Robert Gumede’s career has been marked by controversy. In 2011, his company GijimaAST settled out of court with the Home Office over a controversial R2.3 billion tender.
In 2014, the Special Investigation Unit found that a R360 million tender awarded to GijimaAST by the Ministry of Rural Development and Land Reform needed to be revised.
Gumede has also faced personal controversy, including allegations of financial misconduct by his first wife, Zongi. She claims he forced her to transfer money to an account linked to a Telkom executive, allegedly as a bribe. Gumede denies the allegations, calling them a witch hunt.
Social media
- – Instagram: None
- – Twitter: None
