MZANSI-BORN tech tycoon Elon Musk’s fortune jumped by R419 billion to R4,1 trillion in one day.
Musk’s personal fortunes made the shocking jump after Hertz Global Holdings placed an order of 100 000 Tesla electric cars.
About two-thirds of Musk’s net worth is tied directly to shares and options in the electric-car company of which he is co-founder and chief executive officer.
Not so long ago, Musk regained the title of the richest person in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
He’s followed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ fortune of $196 billion (about R2,8 trillion).
According to Markets Insider, Musk’s fortune was driven by the electric car maker’s robust performance and a recent stock sale at SpaceX.
The aerospace manufacturer is now the second-most valuable private company in the world, and a SpaceX agreement with investors added millions to Musk’s wealth.
Bezos, whose personal wealth is mostly in Amazon shares, has often switched places with Musk on the index this year.
LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates stand at third and fourth positions on the list.