You’ve probably heard the name MaMkhize thrown around in conversations about South Africa’s wealthiest women. But let me tell you something – there’s way more to Shauwn Mkhize’s story than those flashy Instagram posts and luxury cars you see everywhere.
I’ve been following her journey for years, and honestly? It’s been a rollercoaster that would make even the most seasoned soap opera writer jealous. From building a multi-million rand empire to facing SARS raids and losing everything, MaMkhize’s life reads like a masterclass in both success and survival.
Quick Wiki/Bio About MaMkhize
| Full Name | Shauwn Mkhize (née Mkhize) |
| Birth Date | April 6, 1975 |
| Age | 50 years old |
| Birthplace | Umbumbulu, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Education | Diploma in Accounting from Durban University of Technology |
| Children | 2 (Andile and Sbahle Mpisane) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (2024) |
Who Is MaMkhize Really?
MaMkhize age has been a topic of debate for years, but here’s the truth: Shauwn Mkhize was born on April 6, 1975, making her 50 years old as of 2025. Born in the small village of Umbumbulu in KwaZulu-Natal, she grew up in a politically active family that shaped her fierce independence.
Her father, Sipho Mkhize, was killed for political reasons in 1991 when she was just 16. Her mother, Florence Mkhize, was an ANC activist who ran a construction company. Tragedy struck again when her brother Sbu was killed in a police shootout in 1992. These early losses didn’t break her – they forged her into the resilient businesswoman we know today.
The Business Empire That Built MaMkhize
MaMkhize business empire started small but grew into something massive. After graduating in 1996 with an accounting diploma, she worked in various finance departments before launching her own ventures.
The game-changer came when she inherited her mother’s construction company after Florence’s death in 2008. She transformed it into Zikhulise Group, which became her primary money-making machine. This wasn’t just any construction company – it expanded into:
- Zikhulise Maintenance and Transport
- Zikhulise Auto Recoveries
- Inyanga Trading
The construction business thrived on government contracts, and MaMkhize knew how to work the system. She started with small municipal projects – feeding schemes, painting contracts, basic construction work. But her ambition was bigger than small-town contracts.
MaMkhize Net Worth: The Numbers Game
MaMkhize net worth 2024-2025 has been estimated at around R300-350 million, though recent legal troubles have significantly impacted her wealth. At her peak, she was worth considerably more, with assets including:
- Multiple luxury properties
- A car collection worth R55 million
- Football club ownership
- Construction company shareholdings
- Reality TV earnings
But here’s what most people don’t know – maintaining that lifestyle costs a fortune. The lavish parties, designer clothes, luxury cars, and massive staff payroll meant money flowed out as fast as it came in.
The Famous MaMkhize House and Lifestyle
MaMkhize house mansion became legendary in South African celebrity culture. Her La Lucia mansion in Durban North was the stuff of dreams – seven bedroom suites, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym, conference room, sauna, and music room.
This wasn’t just a home; it was a statement. The house hosted some of South Africa’s most exclusive parties, attended by politicians, celebrities, and business leaders. Police Minister Bheki Cele was a regular guest, along with other high-profile figures.
The property became so iconic that it featured prominently in her reality show. During her divorce proceedings, the mansion was literally divided – she got the northern section, while her ex-husband Sbu Mpisane occupied the southern part.
MaMkhize Cars: A R55 Million Collection
MaMkhize cars collection was absolutely mind-blowing. We’re talking about a fleet worth R55 million that included:
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge
- Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
- Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom
- Bentley Bentayga
- Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S650
- Aston Martin DBX
- Lamborghini Huracan
- BMW i8 and 4 Series Convertible
- Land Rover Defender 90
Each car wasn’t just transportation – it was a mobile billboard for her success. She’d post videos of herself stepping out of different luxury vehicles, and South Africans couldn’t get enough of it.
The Royal AM Football Adventure
MaMkhize’s entry into football ownership wasn’t just about sport – it was about power and influence. She bought Real Kings, rebranded it as Royal AM, and later acquired Bloemfontein Celtic.
Her MaMkhize son Andile Mpisane played for the team, which raised eyebrows about nepotism. But she didn’t care about critics – she was building a legacy for her family.
The football venture brought both glory and controversy. Royal AM achieved success on the field, but financial troubles eventually led to their MaMkhize Royal AM expelled PSL situation in 2025. The club was kicked out due to unpaid debts and league violations.
The Reality TV Star
MaMkhize reality show Kwa Mam’Mkhize launched in 2020 on Mzansi Magic and became an instant hit. The show gave viewers unprecedented access to her lifestyle, family dynamics, and business dealings.
Season 1 won the Best Reality TV Show Award at the 2020 Hollywood American Prestigious Awards. The show continued for multiple seasons, with Season 2 premiering in 2023 and focusing on her life post-divorce.
The Marriage and Divorce Drama
MaMkhize husband Sbu Mpisane divorce was a six-year legal battle that captivated South Africa. They married in 1991 in a joint estate agreement and were together for 28 years before things went south.
The divorce proceedings began in 2018 when MaMkhize filed papers, citing irreconcilable differences. The battle wasn’t just about separation – it involved massive asset division, including their La Lucia mansion, business interests, and custody arrangements.
In November 2024, the Durban High Court finally granted their divorce after six years of legal wrangling. Sbu has since moved into politics, while MaMkhize focused on rebuilding her life.
The Book: My World, My Rules
MaMkhize book My World My Rules was published in 2022 and became a bestseller. Written with ghostwriter Amanda Ngudle, the memoir spans 186 pages across twenty chapters.
The book dispels myths about her wealth, addresses family controversies, and provides insights into her marriage and divorce. It’s raw, honest, and shows a vulnerable side that her reality show couldn’t capture.
The Tax Troubles and SARS Raids
MaMkhize tax troubles latest became headline news when SARS came after her for approximately R40 million in unpaid taxes. The situation escalated dramatically in late 2024 when her La Lucia mansion was raided.
The MaMkhize SARS raid 2024 was a shocking development. Over 40 firearms were discovered during the search, though their connection to her tax case remains unclear. The raid resulted in several luxury vehicles being attached, including her prized Maybach and Bentley.
SARS obtained court orders to auction 14 of her luxury cars, including:
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz S680 Maybach Edition 100 (one of only 100 worldwide)
- Bentley Continental GTC
- BMW i7 xDrive60
- Multiple Mercedes-Benz vehicles
- Toyota Hilux bakkies
The Comeback: Mbabane Highlanders
Just when everyone thought MaMkhize was down for the count, she made a stunning comeback. In July 2025, she was appointed president of MaMkhize Mbabane Highlanders 2025 in Eswatini.
The appointment represents a fresh start after the Royal AM debacle. She’s rebranded the club as “Mbabane Highlanders AM FC,” incorporating her son Andile’s initials. Reports suggest she’s investing E10 million into the club.
The Legacy and Lessons
MaMkhize’s story teaches us several things about success, failure, and resilience:
- Political connections matter – Her early success came from understanding how to work within South Africa’s political system
- Lifestyle inflation is dangerous – High income doesn’t guarantee financial security if spending isn’t controlled
- Family business can be complicated – Mixing personal relationships with business dealings creates risks
- Public image requires constant management – Social media fame comes with scrutiny and pressure
- Resilience is everything – The ability to bounce back from setbacks determines long-term success
Read more: David Phume: Biography, Age, Wife, Net Worth & More
What’s Next for MaMkhize?
At 50, MaMkhize isn’t done yet. The Mbabane Highlanders appointment shows she’s learned from past mistakes and is ready to rebuild. She’s dealing with ongoing legal issues, but her track record suggests she’ll find a way through.
Her story continues to captivate South Africans because it represents both our dreams and our fears about success. She achieved incredible wealth, lived lavishly, faced spectacular challenges, and somehow keeps fighting back.
Whether you love her or hate her, you can’t ignore MaMkhize. She’s become more than a businesswoman – she’s a symbol of ambition, controversy, and the complex relationship between money and happiness in modern South Africa.
References:
David Chen – Senior Reporter David specializes in celebrity finances and legal affairs. His background in business journalism helps him decode complex financial documents and explain celebrity net worth calculations in terms readers actually understand. He’s the guy who caught that major error in a competitor’s article about a celebrity’s business valuation.
