MaMkhize’s Royal AM now owned by SARS! Prominent businesswoman and reality TV star Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize continues to face mounting financial woes as her legal battle with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) takes a new turn.
Her soccer club, Royal AM FC, is now under the curatorship of SARS, plunging the team into financial turmoil and leaving players and staff unpaid for December 2024.
Court Orders and Curatorship
Jaco Venter has been appointed as the curator to oversee Royal AM’s assets and operations. This development followed a preservation order and a search and seizure warrant granted by the KwaZulu-Natal Local Division of the High Court in the case involving SARS versus Shauwn Mkhize and others.
The preservation order allows SARS to safeguard assets and freeze funds pending the resolution of outstanding tax disputes. For Royal AM, this has meant the freezing of bank accounts, effectively halting the club’s ability to pay salaries and meet operational expenses.
A Blow to the Betway Premiership Strugglers
Royal AM FC, which competes in the Betway Premiership Soccer League, has been struggling on the field this season, and the financial setback has only worsened the situation. Players, technical staff, and other employees have expressed frustration over the non-payment of their December salaries.
Acknowledging the challenges, MaMkhize apologized to those affected in an official statement, explaining the difficulties posed by the curatorship.
“As many are aware, the club is currently under curatorship following a preservation order obtained by SARS,” she said. “While this has resulted in the temporary appointment of a curator, Mr. Jaco Venter, to oversee the club’s assets and operations, we want to assure all stakeholders that Royal AM remains committed to resolving this matter as swiftly as possible.
She added that the club’s management team, led by the CEO and General Manager, is working closely with the curator to secure permission to release funds for payments. “We have always upheld this principle despite the current challenges,” she said.
The situation marks a dramatic shift in fortune for MaMkhize, who had built a public persona of extravagance and success. Known for her luxurious lifestyle, she gained widespread fame through her reality TV show Kwa Mam’Mkhize, which aired on Mzansi Magic and Showmax.
The show offered viewers a glimpse into her opulent life, featuring her sprawling La Lucia mansion, designer wardrobe, luxury cars, and high-profile social events. She was often hailed as an inspiration, a self-made business mogul who had risen to prominence through her ventures in property development and entertainment.
However, her financial dealings have come under intense scrutiny, particularly after a series of public displays of wealth. One memorable moment saw MaMkhize and her son, Andile Mpisane, handing out hard cash to Royal AM players live on TV as a reward for a victory in a PSL match. While the gesture delighted fans at the time, it now serves as a stark contrast to the current financial struggles faced by the club.
MaMkhize
SARS Raids and Investigations
MaMkhize’s troubles with SARS escalated in November 2024 when the revenue service raided her La Lucia property and other assets. The raid was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of tax evasion and financial irregularities.
SARS has been relentless in its pursuit of unpaid taxes, and the curatorship of Royal AM FC is just one of several measures aimed at recovering the funds allegedly owed by MaMkhize.
A Test of Resilience
As the saga unfolds, the pressure is mounting on Mam’Mkhize to navigate these challenges while maintaining her public image and managing the fallout within her business ventures.
Fans of the flamboyant businesswoman have expressed mixed reactions to the developments. While some sympathize with her plight, others question the sustainability of her lavish lifestyle and its impact on her financial stability.