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South Africa’s Saltzman family, founders of the country’s largest pharmacy chain, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, has seen the value of its stake recover strongly, nearing the $500 million mark after weeks of steady gains on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
Saltzman stake in Dis-Chem rebounds
The family, which started the Gauteng-based pharmacy chain more than 40 years ago, owns 29.3 percent of Dis-Chem—about 252 million shares. In the past 16 trading days alone, the value of that stake has risen by R854.5 million ($48.4 million), lifting its total worth to R8.52 billion ($483.2 million) at the time of writing.
This rebound comes after a difficult spell earlier in the year, when Dis-Chem’s shares lost more than $28 million in value between July 3 and Aug. 4, pushing the Saltzman stake down to $433 million. The latest recovery highlights renewed investor confidence in one of South Africa’s most prominent healthcare retailers.
Stock rally lifts market cap above $1.6 billion
Founded in the 1970s, Dis-Chem has grown into one of the country’s most recognizable healthcare brands. The company operates an expansive network of dispensaries, family clinics, wound-care centers, and self-medication hubs, making it a key player in South Africa’s retail health market.
Dis-Chem shares have climbed 11.14 percent over the past two weeks, rising from R30.43 ($1.72) on Aug. 11 to R33.82 ($1.92) by Aug. 27. That rally pushed the company’s market capitalization above $1.6 billion, delivering strong gains for long-term investors. As a result, the Saltzmans’ 29.3-percent holding has grown by R854.5 million ($48.43 million), increasing from R7.67 billion ($434.72 million) to R8.52 billion ($483.15 million).
Mixed performance in 2025
Dis-Chem shares are still down 6.32 percent for the year. A $100,000 investment at the start of 2025 would now be worth about $93,680, a loss of $6,320. The uneven performance reflects both the strength and strain in South Africa’s pharmacy retail market, where tighter household budgets and heavy competition continue to shape the sector.
For the Saltzman family, though, the recent rebound has been significant. With their stake once again gaining ground and now valued at nearly half a billion dollars, they remain a central force in South Africa’s healthcare and investment circles.
