Harry Oppenheimer

Date of Birth: October 28, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: August 19, 2000

Biography

Harry Frederick Oppenheimer was a prominent South African businessman and philanthropist, renowned for his influence in the global diamond and gold industries. Born into a family with deep roots in mining, he was the son of Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, the founder of the Anglo American Corporation and a major figure in the diamond industry through De Beers Consolidated Mines. Harry Oppenheimer’s career was marked by his stewardship of De Beers and Anglo American, where he played a crucial role in expanding the companies’ global reach and market dominance. Oppenheimer was educated at Harrow School in England and later at Christ Church, Oxford, where he read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. During his time at Oxford, he formed connections that would later benefit his business ventures. After completing his education, he returned to South Africa to join his father in the family business. Under his leadership, De Beers became the world’s largest producer and distributor of diamonds. He was known for his strategic vision and for pioneering the concept of the “diamond cartel,” which aimed to control diamond supply and stabilize prices globally. His management style and business acumen earned him respect and admiration in the business community. Apart from his business endeavors, Oppenheimer was also a committed philanthropist, supporting numerous educational, cultural, and social causes in South Africa and abroad. He was known for his efforts to promote racial equality and improve living conditions for disadvantaged communities during the apartheid era.

5 Interesting Facts about Harry Oppenheimer

1. Harry Oppenheimer was one of the world’s wealthiest individuals during his lifetime, with his net worth peaking at several billion dollars.

2. He was a member of the South African Parliament for the United Party from 1948 to 1957, where he was a vocal critic of apartheid.

3. Oppenheimer was an avid art collector and a major benefactor of the arts, significantly contributing to the South African National Gallery.

4. He played a key role in the establishment of the Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Awards, which support research and innovation in South Africa.

5. Despite his immense wealth, Oppenheimer was known for his modesty and down-to-earth personality, often shunning public attention.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Oppenheimer

1. “Diamonds are intrinsically worthless, except for the deep psychological need they fulfill.”

2. “The future of our country depends on our ability to create a society in which all citizens can live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”

3. “Business must have a higher purpose beyond profit – it must contribute to the well-being of society.”

4. “In the end, it is the human element that determines whether we succeed or fail.”

5. “We must never forget that our greatest asset is our people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Harry Oppenheimer’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $5 billion.

Children

Harry Oppenheimer had two children: his son, Nicky Oppenheimer, who succeeded him in the family business, and his daughter, Mary Slack, who is involved in various philanthropic activities.