Dr. Collen Mashawana is a prominent South African businessman, philanthropist, and entrepreneur best known as the founder and executive chairman of Afribiz Invest. He gained widespread recognition for his extensive philanthropic work through the Collen Mashawana Foundation, which has built over 1,000 homes for underprivileged South Africans. The multi-millionaire businessman is also known as the partner of South African actress and singer Thembi Seete.
Collen Mashawana Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Collen Tshifhiwa Mashawana |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 2 September 1981 |
| Age | 44 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of birth | Venda, Limpopo, South Africa |
| Current residence | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Venda |
| Zodiac sign | Virgo |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Marital status | In a relationship |
| Partner | Thembi Seete |
| Ex-wife | Lerato Moloi (m. ?–2016) |
| Children | Two (Prince Mashawana, Dakalo Mashawana) |
| Alma mater | Henley Business School (MBA), Academy of Learning College |
| Profession | Businessman, philanthropist, entrepreneur, investor |
| Net worth | R270 million (estimated as of 2025) |
Who is Dr. Collen Mashawana?
Dr. Collen Mashawana is a distinguished South African business mogul and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to infrastructure development and community empowerment across Africa. He serves as the executive chairman of Afribiz Invest, an investment holding company with interests spanning construction, property development, information and communications technology, mining, energy, training, security, and financial services. The company employs over 500 people and operates in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Dubai.
Beyond his business ventures, Mashawana has earned widespread acclaim for his humanitarian work. Through the Collen Mashawana Foundation, which he established in 2012, he has built and donated more than 1,000 fully furnished homes to underprivileged communities across South Africa. His commitment to social justice and community development earned him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2024.
Collen Mashawana age and early life
Collen Mashawana is 44 years old as of 2025. He was born on 2 September 1981 in Venda, Limpopo, South Africa. The businessman grew up in a rural community in Venda as the youngest of three children. His father operated a tourism business while his mother worked at a local hotel. Growing up, Mashawana helped in his grandmother’s and father’s businesses, experiences that would later shape his entrepreneurial mindset.
In 2000, at the age of 19, Mashawana moved to Johannesburg, Gauteng, in search of better opportunities. He initially worked as a cleaner in a supermarket, taking on various menial jobs to support himself while pursuing his education. He later worked part-time as a salesperson at a Levi’s store and as a packer for a national retail store.
Education and qualifications
Dr. Collen Mashawana attended Tshishonga Primary School in Venda and completed his high school education at Tshikevha Christian School. He pursued a diploma in Information Technology, which laid the foundation for his early career in the technology sector. Between 2000 and 2003, he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Administration and Management from the Academy of Learning College.
Mashawana furthered his education by enrolling at Henley Business School, where he completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree between 2020 and 2022. His academic journey reached its pinnacle in 2024 when the University of South Africa (UNISA) conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) degree. The honorary doctorate recognized his outstanding contributions to business, philanthropy, and social justice. The graduation ceremony took place on 18 April 2024 at UNISA’s Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria.
Career achievements and business ventures
Early career at Microsoft and Dimension Data
After graduating with his IT diploma, Collen Mashawana secured a position at Microsoft South Africa. While working at Microsoft for three years, he continued to nurture his entrepreneurial spirit by starting side businesses. He became the first person to start a payphone business in his area, demonstrating his innovative approach to identifying business opportunities. He also ventured into the food service industry by opening restaurants in Johannesburg and his hometown.
In 2005, Mashawana left Microsoft to join Dimension Data, where he gained valuable experience and exposure to government operations. His exceptional leadership skills led to his promotion to National Public Sector Director for South Africa. In 2008, he received the prestigious Esprit du Corps Award for leadership, cementing his reputation as a rising star in the corporate world.
Founding Afribiz Invest
Mashawana founded Afribiz Invest in 2005 as an investment holding company. The conglomerate specializes in consulting services, construction, property development, energy, information and communications technology, mining, training, security, and financial services. Under his leadership, Afribiz Invest has delivered more than 40,000 houses to underprivileged communities across South Africa.
The company has spearheaded large-scale development projects including Rama City and West Rand Mega Park, initiatives projected to create more than 50,000 jobs. Afribiz Invest has expanded its operations internationally and now maintains a presence in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Dubai. The company employs over 500 people and continues to grow its footprint across the African continent.
Khwinisa Technologies and other ventures
In 2010, Mashawana established Khwinisa Technologies, an IT company now known as Telcolink. This venture further diversified his business portfolio and strengthened his position in the technology sector. His business acumen and strategic vision have enabled him to build a diverse portfolio of companies operating across multiple sectors.
The Collen Mashawana Foundation
In 2012, Dr. Mashawana founded the Collen Mashawana Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of South Africa’s most vulnerable communities. The foundation focuses on five key areas: housing, water security, food security, education, and job creation.
The foundation’s achievements include:
- Building and donating over 1,000 fully furnished homes to elderly people, people with disabilities, and child-headed households
- Distributing food parcels to more than 15,000 families during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Drilling and donating over 100 boreholes in communities including Hammanskraal and Giyani to address water scarcity
- Providing educational support and creating employment opportunities
In 2025, the foundation continues its impactful work, recently handing over homes to families affected by fires and floods across South Africa. The foundation partners with major organizations including Old Mutual Foundation, Metro FM, and WesBank to maximize its reach and impact.
Awards and recognition
Dr. Collen Mashawana has received numerous accolades recognizing his entrepreneurial success and philanthropic contributions:
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2018) – South African Men of the Year Initiative, Department of Social Development
- 100 Most Influential Africans (2020) – Reputation Poll International
- Philanthropic Leadership Award – Africa Giving Gala Dinner and Awards
- Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (2024) – University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Mzansi Men of Influence Award (2025) – Exceptional Business Mogul Award
- Legend Awards (2025)
What is Collen Mashawana’s net worth?
As of 2025, Collen Mashawana’s net worth is estimated at R270 million according to The South African. He accumulated this substantial wealth through his diversified business portfolio, primarily through Afribiz Invest and its various subsidiaries operating across multiple sectors including construction, property development, ICT, mining, energy, and financial services.
The businessman owns a luxurious Dubai-inspired mansion valued at R30 million. The property features a helipad on the rooftop and represents one of the most impressive residential properties in South Africa. In 2012, Mashawana made headlines when reports surfaced that he was paying for EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu’s luxury BMW 5 Series, demonstrating his wealth and generosity.
His business empire, Afribiz Invest, has delivered more than 40,000 houses and continues to expand its operations internationally. The company’s large-scale projects, including Rama City and West Rand Mega Park, are projected to create over 50,000 jobs, further contributing to Mashawana’s growing business influence and financial success.
Is Collen Mashawana married? Wife, partner, and relationship status
Collen Mashawana is currently in a relationship with South African actress, singer, and television personality Thembi Seete. The couple has been together for several years and has one child together. However, they have not publicly announced any marriage plans. Mashawana has introduced Thembi to his family, and the couple maintains a relatively private relationship despite their public profiles.
Previous marriage to Lerato Moloi
Before his relationship with Thembi Seete, Mashawana was married to fashion model and actress Lerato Zah Moloi. The couple got engaged during a surprise proposal that Mashawana organized during Moloi’s birthday party in Sandton. The romantic gesture was featured on the South African lifestyle show Top Billing, capturing the hearts of viewers nationwide.
Mashawana and Moloi’s marriage eventually ended in divorce in 2016. Despite their separation, they have maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their son. The reasons for their divorce have not been publicly disclosed, with both parties choosing to keep the details of their separation private.
Dating history
In 2017, news emerged that Mashawana was dating Thembi Seete. The couple was spotted together on multiple occasions, and sources confirmed that Mashawana had introduced Thembi to his family. Their relationship has remained strong over the years, with the couple often seen together at family events and celebrations. They co-parent their son Dakalo and maintain a united front when it comes to family matters.
Collen Mashawana’s children
Collen Mashawana has two sons from two different relationships.
Prince Mukhethwa Mashawana
Prince Mashawana is Collen’s first son with his ex-wife Lerato Moloi. He was born in May 2012 and is 13 years old as of 2025. Prince made headlines in 2021 when he broke a world record as the youngest person to join a TEDx Talk. The young achiever created a comic book character called SuperMash, becoming a comic book author at a remarkably young age.
Prince uses his SuperMash character to educate young children about important topics, including staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. His mother, actress and television presenter Lerato Zah Moloi, and his father are both immensely proud of his achievements. In May 2025, Collen celebrated Prince’s 13th birthday with a heartfelt message acknowledging the blessing of watching him grow.
Dakalo Mashawana
Dakalo Mashawana is Collen’s son with actress and singer Thembi Seete. He was born in April 2018 and celebrated his 7th birthday in April 2025. The couple hosted a Bluey-themed birthday party for Dakalo, with both parents present to celebrate the milestone. Collen refers to Dakalo as his “sweet, loving, and energetic little boy,” expressing amazement at his kindness and joy.
Thembi Seete and Collen Mashawana maintain a strong co-parenting relationship and are often seen together at family celebrations. In April 2025, they were spotted at Dakalo’s birthday party surrounded by presents and a birthday cake, demonstrating their commitment to providing a loving environment for their son.
Fast facts about Collen Mashawana
- Rural roots to riches: Dr. Mashawana started his career in Johannesburg as a supermarket cleaner before building a multi-million rand business empire.
- First payphone entrepreneur: He became the first person to start a payphone business in his area while still working part-time jobs.
- Honorary doctorate recipient: UNISA awarded him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2024 for his philanthropic contributions to South African society.
- Over 1,000 homes built: Through his foundation, he has built and donated more than 1,000 fully furnished homes to disadvantaged families since 2012.
- COVID-19 hero: During the pandemic, his foundation distributed food parcels to over 15,000 families across South Africa.
- Water security champion: He has drilled and donated over 100 boreholes in communities facing water scarcity, including Hammanskraal and Giyani.
- International business operations: Afribiz Invest operates in five countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Dubai.
- R30 million mansion: He owns a luxurious Dubai-inspired mansion featuring a helipad on the rooftop.
- Award-winning entrepreneur: He received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2018 and was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans in 2020.
- Record-breaking son: His son Prince Mashawana holds a world record as the youngest person to join a TEDx Talk and is a published comic book author.
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Wrapping up
Dr. Collen Mashawana is a South African business magnate and philanthropist whose journey from humble beginnings in rural Venda to becoming a multi-millionaire entrepreneur inspires many. At 44 years old, he continues to expand his business empire through Afribiz Invest while making a profound impact on underprivileged communities through his foundation. With an estimated net worth of R270 million, two children, and a relationship with actress Thembi Seete, Mashawana balances his successful business career with family life and his passion for giving back. His commitment to building homes, providing water security, and creating employment opportunities has earned him recognition as one of South Africa’s most influential philanthropists.
References
- Wikipedia. “Collen Mashawana.”
- Their Magazine. “Collen Mashawana: Biography, Age, Wife, Foundation, Business, Children.“
- UNISA. “Consummate philanthropist Collen Mashawana awarded Unisa philosophy doctorate.“
- The South African. “Rich Uncles: Edwin Sodi vs Collen Mashawana, who is richer?“
- TimesLIVE. “Lerato Zah Moloi’s son Prince Mashawana breaks a TEDx talk world record.“
- Briefly. “Thembi Seete and Collen Mashawana Spotted at Their Son’s Birthday Party.“
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