Well-known South African award-winning singer Makhadzi is making headlines after she revealed that she had to borrow money to attend the just-ended BET 2024 Awards in California.
With an illustrious career spanning years, the celebrated singer has fast become one of the most sought-after stars in South Africa. Over the years, she has had several shows across the globe and has shared the stage with some of the world’s best acts.
No doubt she has made a fortune from her career and has splurged thousands on her life of glitz and glamour. She has also spent millions on property and once hogged headlines when she reportedly bought her third apartment in Sandton.
However, despite spending sprees, Makhadzi has had her fair share of drama. Last year, she hogged headlines when the South African Revenue Authority Service dragged her over R6 million in unpaid taxes.
Confirmed reports revealed that she owes Sars over R6 million in unpaid taxes since her thrust into the limelight. Her previous management was implicated in the mix. Her former manager and Open Mic were blamed for the defaulted payments since she once signed under them.
Speaking to the media at the time of the incident, a close source revealed that she was already in debt when she joined Open Mic, and her tax bill had accumulated.
The source said, “When she joined Open Mic, she was already owing and the debt accumulated.” Against her woes, her properties were implicated in the mix.“She cannot afford to have those taken away from her. So, she will fix it,” added the source.
Against Makhadzi’s woes, her management engaged SARS, which later settled for an R2.7 tax bill. The star is paying monthly instalments. Her new management confirmed the news, saying they had already engaged SARS to clear the debt.
Makhadzi’s manager, Lucky Tshilimandila, said: “Yes, we acknowledge the debt. It goes back to 2016. Makhadzi currently has an arrangement with SARS.”
Despite being busy and booked, Makhadzi revealed borrowed money from a loan shark to make it to California. The award-winning singer who won one of the biggest awards of the night.
Makhadzi made it known that she was having some financial woes, which were affecting her travel and other expenses.
Makhadzi said, “I’m going through a lot. It’s not a secret; I was in the newspapers, I think, last year somewhere; I don’t know who sold me out. I feel like this Sars thing is like someone’s going to spice you, and so boom, boom, boom.”
She added, “So every money that I get monthly, I am paying Sars, so I end up not having money for myself.”
Travelling to the BET Awards was undoubtedly worth it, and she was scheduled to perform at the Grammy Museum. Tyla won Best New Artist and Best International Act, while Makhadzi won the BET Viewers’ Choice: Best International Act.