Oppenheimer, Ernest (1880–1957)

German-born South African industrialist and philanthropist. He was chair of De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd from 1929–57, and many other South African and Rhodesian mining companies, and one of the world's leading industrialists. He financed many projects in South Africa.

Oppenheimer was born in Friedberg and began his career at the age of 17 in the London office of A Dunkelsbuhler and Company, where he gained his early experience of the diamond world. In 1902 he was sent to South Africa in connection with the firm's interests in Kimberley. In 1908 he was elected a member of the city council and became mayor 1912–15.

He was largely responsible for the raising of the 2nd Kimberley Regiment at the outbreak of World War I and during World War II devoted himself to the service of the Red Cross and other welfare organizations. From 1924 to 1938 he sat as South African party member for Kimberley in the Union Parliament. He was knighted in 1921.