South Africa’s celebrity scene has been marred by a number of high-profile scandals involving fraud, corruption, and financial misconduct.
While many of these celebrities have built empires through their hard work and talents, others have been embroiled in allegations of tax evasion, defrauding government agencies, and other financial crimes.
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From Mamkhize to Terry Pheto and Arthur Mafokate, here’s a look at 10 South African celebrities who have found themselves linked to fraud and corruption.
Shauwn “Mamkhize” Mkhize
Allegations: Money Laundering, Fraud, and Tax Evasion
Shauwn Mkhize, a businesswoman and reality TV star, has been one of South Africa’s most controversial public figures in recent years.
Known for her opulent lifestyle, Mamkhize’s name was linked to a money laundering case in 2020, where she allegedly defrauded the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
The case arose after her company, Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance, and Transport, was accused of overstating its expenses to evade paying taxes.
In addition to the fraud allegations, Mamkhize has faced public scrutiny for her flashy displays of wealth, which some critics argue may be linked to questionable business dealings.
Where is she now? While Mamkhize continues to enjoy success through her real estate and business ventures, the legal battle over the fraud case is ongoing, though she has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Terry Pheto
Allegations: Defrauding the National Lotteries Commission
Award-winning actress Terry Pheto found herself in hot water after being implicated in a scandal surrounding the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
The actress, known for her role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, was allegedly involved in a corruption case where she benefited from misappropriated funds meant for community development.
The funds in question were allegedly diverted to private accounts, with Pheto’s name being mentioned as a beneficiary.
The National Lotteries Commission investigated claims that millions of rands meant for various charities and initiatives were instead used for personal gain.
Where is she now? Pheto has denied any involvement in the scandal, and the case is still under investigation.
Despite the allegations, she remains an active figure in the entertainment industry.
Arthur Mafokate
Allegations: Fraud and Corruption Involving the Lotteries Commission
Arthur Mafokate, one of South Africa’s most famous Kwaito artists and a well-known figure in the local entertainment industry, has also been linked to the National Lotteries Commission scandal.
Mafokate’s company, Arthur Mafokate Music, allegedly received a portion of misappropriated NLC funds that were meant for community projects.
Mafokate has been accused of fraud and financial mismanagement, with rumors suggesting that his company was involved in questionable transactions with the NLC.
Where is he now? Arthur Mafokate has not faced criminal charges as of yet, and he continues to maintain his innocence.
However, he has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, avoiding much public commentary on the scandal.
Jub Jub (Molemo Maarohanye)
Allegations: Tax Evasion and Fraud
Rapper Jub Jub has faced multiple controversies throughout his career, including being involved in a high-profile car accident that led to the deaths of four schoolchildren.
However, in terms of financial fraud, Jub Jub was also accused of tax evasion and fraud by SARS.
Where is he now? After serving a prison sentence for the car accident case, Jub Jub has managed to rebuild his career in the entertainment industry, hosting the popular show Uyajola 9/9.
He has yet to face significant consequences for the tax evasion allegations, and there has been little public discussion on the matter in recent years.
Lerato Kganyago
Allegations: Tax Evasion
Television presenter and entrepreneur Lerato Kganyago was also linked to a tax evasion case by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 2019.
While details of the case remained scarce, the SARS investigation suggested that Kganyago had not declared her full income, leading to suspicions of tax avoidance.
The controversy briefly overshadowed her popularity, as many fans were shocked to hear that the media personality was implicated in the same issues many South Africans face with tax avoidance.
Where is she now? Lerato has since denied all allegations, and the matter appears to have been quietly resolved.
Despite the setback, she continues to host her radio show and participate in various business ventures.
Ferguson Films (Connie and Shona Ferguson)
Allegations: Tax Evasion
The Fergusons, one of South Africa’s most powerful entertainment couples, were also linked to tax evasion.
Connie Ferguson, the celebrated actress and Shona Ferguson, the late producer and businessman, came under scrutiny after allegations that their production company, Ferguson Films, had been involved in unpaid taxes over a number of years.
The Fergusons were accused of not declaring their full income and evading taxes due to questionable business practices.
Where are they now? The couple has always maintained that they were in good standing with SARS, and no charges were formally brought against them.
However, Shona’s untimely death in 2021 left many of these issues unresolved.
Somizi Mhlongo
Allegations: Financial Mismanagement and Tax Evasion
Somizi Mhlongo, the multi-talented TV personality, dancer, and choreographer, has occasionally been involved in financial controversies.
In 2021, he was linked to allegations of tax evasion after it was revealed that SARS had been investigating him for possible discrepancies in his tax returns.
The allegations suggested that Somizi had underreported his income and evaded paying taxes over several years.
Where is he now? Somizi has publicly addressed the allegations, stating that he was working with SARS to resolve the matter.
Despite the tax issues, he continues to enjoy success in the entertainment industry and remains a prominent figure on television and social media.
Maggie Benedict
Allegations: Tax Fraud
Actress Maggie Benedict was involved in a tax fraud case after allegations that she failed to pay taxes on her earnings for several years.
The issue came to light when SARS conducted an investigation into her business practices.
Benedict was accused of underreporting her income and failing to submit tax returns on time.
Where is she now? Maggie Benedict addressed the allegations publicly, admitting that she was in the process of resolving her tax issues with SARS.
She has since continued to pursue her career in acting and public speaking, though she keeps a lower profile than she did before the scandal.
Boity Thulo
Allegations: Financial Mismanagement and Tax Evasion
Media personality and rapper Boity Thulo was briefly linked to financial mismanagement and tax evasion in 2021.
SARS reportedly investigated her finances, suspecting that she had not paid her fair share of taxes on her lucrative brand endorsements and media work.
Where is she now? Boity, however, responded to the claims, asserting that she was compliant with SARS regulations.
There have been no formal charges, and she continues to expand her career in both music and entrepreneurship.
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa)
Allegations: Corruption, Fraud, and Mismanagement
Although not a celebrity in the traditional sense, President Cyril Ramaphosa has also faced allegations of financial misconduct during his time in both business and politics.
The Phala Phala farm scandal — where it was alleged that money was hidden from tax authorities — led to accusations of corruption and fraud.
Where is he now? Ramaphosa has faced significant public scrutiny, but remains in power as South Africa’s president.
The Phala Phala investigation is ongoing, and while no charges have been laid, the controversy continues to dominate political discourse.
Conclusion: The Dark Side of Fame
While many of these celebrities have achieved success through hard work and talent, their involvement in fraud, corruption, and tax evasion scandals has marred their public images.
Whether through financial mismanagement or defrauding government bodies like the National Lotteries Commission, these cases have highlighted the underbelly of fame in South Africa, where some individuals use their position to gain financial advantage unlawfully.
In most cases, the legal processes are still ongoing, with some celebrities maintaining their innocence and others quietly resolving their issues.
Regardless, these scandals serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with wealth, fame, and power in South Africa.
