Biography
Sol Kerzner — magnate (sun city) with roots in the Russian Empire
Sol Kerzner was a South African-Israeli hotel magnate born in Johannesburg to parents who had emigrated from Russia. He built Sun City in apartheid-era South Africa — the controversial resort enclave in Bophuthatswana — and later the globally celebrated Atlantis and One&Only luxury resort brands.
Russian Connection
Tracing the roots — Russia (Jewish)
His parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia who settled in South Africa as part of the early 20th-century Jewish emigration to the British Empire's southern territories.
Family Tree
Subject
Sol Kerzner🇿🇦 South Africa
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Parents
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Origin
Russia (Jewish)🇷🇺 Russian Empire
Historical context
Russian Empire · c. 1721–1917
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Russia (Jewish). At the time, this region lay within the Russian Empire, which spanned from Poland to the Pacific.
Map: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Key Achievements
A career defined by ambition
01
Built Sun City — South Africa's most famous resort complex
02
Founded Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas — one of the world's most visited resorts
03
Founded One&Only Resorts — global ultra-luxury hotel brand
04
Kerzner International Holdings — major global hospitality company
05
Inducted into the South African Hall of Fame
Sources