Robert Gumede is a prominent South African businessman and philanthropist best known for founding Gijima Technologies, a leading IT firm in South Africa.
He rose to fame through his entrepreneurial ventures and substantial contributions to the IT industry, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the country.
Gumede is also recognized for his political influence and philanthropy, often supporting educational and community development initiatives.
Profile
- – 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
- – Profession: Businessman, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
- – Height: N/A
- – Parents: N/A
- – 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: N/A
- – 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 early life was marked by financial hardship, which saw him working various jobs, including as a petrol attendant, gardener, and golf caddie, to support his family. He completed his primary education locally before enrolling at the University of Zululand, where he graduated with a diploma in law in 1986.
Personal Life
Robert Gumede’s personal life includes 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 prominent South African figures attended. They have three children: Keni, Natane, and Matana Robert Junior Gumede.
Career
Gumede began his professional journey as a clerk and prosecutor at the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court and later worked for the Ministry of Justice. He left his government position 1988 to pursue business interests, founding Gijima Electronic and Security Systems.
By the mid-1990s, he had established several companies under the Gijima name, catering to various sectors, including IT, security, and stationery. The most notable of these ventures was Gijima Technologies, founded in 1997, which secured significant government contracts for IT solutions.
Gijima Technologies was later consolidated into GijimaAST, expanding its services and securing additional contracts with government entities such as Telkom.
Awards
- South African Chapter of the World Entrepreneur of the Year (2005, Runner-Up)
Net Worth
Robert Gumede’s net worth is between $200 million and $210 million. His wealth primarily comes from his business ventures in IT and various other sectors through his Guma Group holdings.
Controversy
Robert Gumede’s career has been subject to controversy. In 2011, his company, GijimaAST, settled out of court with the Department of Home Affairs over a disputed tender project worth R2.3 billion.
In 2014, the Special Investigating Unit found that an R360 million tender awarded to GijimaAST by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform needed to be revised.
Gumede has also faced personal controversies, including allegations by his first wife, Zongi, regarding financial misconduct. She claimed that he made her transfer money into an account linked to a Telkom executive, which was speculated to be a bribe. Gumede denied these accusations, calling them a witch-hunt.
Social Media
- – Instagram: N/A
- – Twitter: N/A
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