Harry Oppenheimer – Born on the 28th October 1908 in the Northern Cape Province of Kimberley. He attended primary school in Johannesburg and then Charterhouse school in England. He went on to complete his education at Oxford University and graduated in philosophy, economics and politics.
Harry Oppenheimer’s father Sir Ernest Oppenheimer had founded the flourishing Mining House Anglo American Corporation in 1917 and was also chairman of De Beers. In 1931 Harry Oppenheimer returned to South Africa and joined Anglo American Corporation at a time when the diamond market was undergoing serious challenges due to the Great Depression.
In 1945 he became managing director of the corporation after his return from World War 2 serving in the Fourth South African Corps and proceeded to develop Gold Mines in the new Orange Free State Gold fields.
During his leadership of Anglo American during the years 1957 to 1982, he increased the huge fortune made by his Father to such an extent, that it was believed that he was the richest man in the world at that time.
During the years 1948 – 1958 Harry Oppenheimer was the opposition United Party Member of Parliament for Kimberley but after inheriting the Leadership of Anglo American from his father he gave up his seat. However, he remained heavily involved in South African politics and helped to create the liberal Progressive Party led by Mrs Helen Suzman.
Harry Oppenheimer died on the 19th August 2000 at age 91. During his lifetime he had succeeded in many endeavours. He had done what he could to bring about the end of Apartheid, he served his country during war, was known for his business abilities and success as well as his philanthropic activities.
He also contributed very generously to the official philanthropies of the State of Israel. He gave his personal attention to see that Israel receive the necessary diamond raw products from De Beers so that it could establish itself as one of the world’s leading diamond polishing and exporting countries. The Harry Oppenheimer diamond museum is located at the Ramat Gan Israel Diamond Centre and is a tribute to the man who made the Israel Diamond Industry possible.
Africa’s highest research prize – The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship award is given every year in memory of Harry Oppenheimer by the Oppenheimer Memorial trust.