Solly “My Sol” Madibela has turned heads across South Africa—not just for his flashy purchase of a Brabus G63 6×6 worth over R20 million, but for the empire behind it. As the founder and CEO of MySol Holdings, a major player in South Africa’s chrome mining sector, Madibela’s story is one of grit, strategy, and smart execution. While exact figures aren’t publicly available, analysts and insiders estimate his net worth to be approaching R1 billion by 2025.
A Humble Start in Rustenburg
Solly Madibela was born in the late 1970s and raised in Modderspruit, Bapong, just outside Rustenburg, a region rich in mining resources. Now in his mid-40s, he emerged from a working-class background and spent his early years watching chrome and platinum operations dominate local life. Without flashy degrees or public academic accolades, Solly learned by doing—absorbing the rhythms of the mines and operating Volvo crawler excavators as a young contractor.
His early exposure to heavy machinery not only taught him operations but also helped him understand the economics behind extraction. He saw that ownership—of assets, of contracts, of expertise—was the difference between working in the mine and running one. That insight would define the rest of his career.
The Rise of MySol Holdings
Founded in the 2000s and gaining traction throughout the 2010s, MySol Holdings offers a full suite of services for open-cast and bulk mining: drilling, blasting, hauling, crushing, and rehabilitation. The company has earned recognition for its work at high-profile sites, including the Buffelsfontein West Open-cast Mine managed by Samancor.
By 2025, MySol extracts approximately 200,000 tonnes of chrome per month. At an average price of $200 per tonne, that equates to R700 million in annual revenue, though operational costs reduce the bottom line. Even after expenses, industry experts estimate tens of millions of rands in annual profits—most of which go directly to Solly, who retains full ownership of the company.
This production scale places MySol far ahead of smaller local operators and positions it just below mining giants like Glencore and Samancor. Solly’s rise isn’t just measured in output—it’s measured in control, strategy, and asset value.
The Machinery That Drives the Money
One of MySol’s competitive advantages is equipment ownership. By 2025, the company owns nearly 200 Volvo construction machines, including a recent delivery of 40 new units—a mix of EC750D excavators and A40 articulated dump trucks. With each machine priced in the R10 million range, the equipment fleet alone is worth more than R500 million.
Solly partnered with Babcock International to finance these purchases smartly, preserving MySol’s cash flow while scaling production. He also ensures uptime through on-site mechanics, a move that reduces downtime and maximizes output.
Leveraging Policy for Profit
Solly also benefited from South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy. MySol is Level 1 certified, a status that gives it preferential access to major contracts. For Solly, B-BBEE wasn’t just a compliance box—it became a competitive edge. Combined with his operational expertise, it helped land deals with major players like Samancor, pushing MySol into higher tiers of mining success.
Lifestyle and Asset Portfolio
Solly’s wealth isn’t just tied up in chrome. His personal asset portfolio is a testament to his financial rise. In 2025, he made headlines by purchasing a Brabus G63 6×6, one of the world’s rarest and most expensive SUVs. That sits alongside a Bentley, Maserati, and a private jet—luxuries that reflect not just status, but liquidity.
He’s also linked to a mansion in Hartbeespoort, shared through verified social media channels. These assets, combined with his business holdings, point to a net worth comfortably in the hundreds of millions of rands, if not close to the R1 billion mark.
While Solly doesn’t flaunt his personal life publicly, he remains deeply tied to his roots. His philanthropic work in Rustenburg includes school funding, clinic support, and youth programs, quietly reinforcing his commitment to uplift the community that raised him.
Navigating Challenges in the Mining Sector
Mining isn’t without risk. It’s a capital-heavy, regulation-driven industry. Market fluctuations, labor strikes, and fuel prices all affect profitability. Solly’s success stems from proactive planning—maintaining transparency, adhering to environmental regulations, and running a lean, efficient operation. His experience—now spanning over 30 years in the mining field—helps him anticipate changes and pivot quickly.
In a sector often marred by poor compliance or low output, Solly’s reputation for reliability and delivery has helped him avoid controversies and build lasting client relationships.
MySol’s Future and Legacy
Looking ahead, Solly’s strategy remains focused on scaling production and expanding regional influence. With chrome still in high demand for stainless steel manufacturing, the market remains favorable. His emphasis on equipment ownership, efficient operations, and policy alignment ensures MySol is positioned for further growth.
For entrepreneurs and industry professionals, Solly’s journey offers a masterclass in turning early exposure into industry dominance. He didn’t inherit a company—he built one. He didn’t wait for funding—he reinvested profits. And he didn’t chase clout—he built credibility.