From Struggles to Success: The Inspiring Journey of Shauwn Mkhize
Shauwn Mkhize, a name that resonates with resilience and determination, has transformed her life from humble beginnings to becoming one of South Africa’s most prominent businesswomen and socialites.
Born in the village of Umbumbulu, Shauwn was raised in a politically active family.
Her parents, Sipo and Florence Mkhize, were staunch ANC activists during the apartheid era.
Tragedy struck when her father was allegedly killed by a police officer in 1991, a loss that deeply affected her family.
The following year, her brother Sboom Mkhize was also killed in a shootout with police, further compounding the family’s grief.
Despite these hardships, Shauwn persevered, graduating with a diploma in accounting from ML Sultan Technikon, now known as Durban University of Technology, in 1996.
Her career began in the finance departments of various companies, but she soon found herself unfulfilled in her roles.
Driven by a desire to create a better life for herself and her family, she ventured into entrepreneurship.
Her mother, Florence, had started a construction company named Sikulisa Construction, which she passed on to Shauwn before her death in 2008.
This transition marked the beginning of Shauwn’s journey to greatness, fueled by her passion for helping others and enacting positive change in her community.
Taking the helm of Sikulisa Group, Shauwn expanded the company into a multi-million rand enterprise.
The group now includes several subsidiaries, such as Inyanga Security Services, a professional security firm, and Equilibrium Auto Recoveries, aimed at empowering historically disadvantaged individuals.
Her entrepreneurial spirit blossomed as she took on small projects from local municipalities, including feeding schemes and construction work, laying the groundwork for her future success.
Shauwn’s personal life took a significant turn when she met Zboom Pisani at a party.
At the time, Zboom was a metro police constable, but he later left the force to join Shauwn in her growing construction business.
Their marriage saw Shauwn adopt his surname, becoming Shauwn Pisani.
Together, they welcomed their son, Andile Lempisani, into the world on March 15, 2001.
Zboom also had a daughter from a previous relationship, adding to their blended family.
In the early 2000s, Shauwn and Zboom began making headlines after securing a multi-million rand government contract, which significantly boosted their wealth.
Their company, Sikulisa Group, thrived, particularly from building low-cost RDP houses across various sites in Umlazi and other areas within the eThekwini municipality.
This success led to further lucrative contracts with the KwaZulu-Natal government, solidifying their status in the construction industry.
As their wealth grew, so did their social circle.
The couple hosted extravagant New Year’s Eve parties, attracting A-list celebrities and marking their rise to fame.
In 2007, they made headlines again by purchasing neighboring properties for around R2.9 million, demolishing them to create an entertainment area for their son.
The Pisani mansion in the affluent suburb of La Lucia became a symbol of their success, complete with 24-hour security.
However, Shauwn’s journey was not without challenges.
In 2012, she faced legal troubles when she was accused of attempting to bribe a witness in a tax evasion case.
The allegations were serious, and the media closely followed the unfolding drama.
Shauwn’s legal battles intensified as she faced numerous charges related to fraud and tender irregularities, with investigations revealing that her companies had been awarded multiple contracts under questionable circumstances.
Despite the turmoil, Shauwn remained resilient.
Her strong legal team helped her navigate the complexities of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) investigation, which claimed she owed R141 million in taxes.
Ultimately, the charges against her were dropped due to procedural issues, allowing her to continue her business endeavors.
In 2014, Shauwn and Zboom acquired the Royal Eagles Football Club, further diversifying their investments.
However, their marriage faced strain, leading to their divorce in 2019.
After the separation, Shauwn reverted to her maiden name, Mkhize, and began to reclaim her identity.
In a candid reflection, she shared that her marriage had faltered as she felt overshadowed by her husband’s self-love and alleged infidelity.
Following the divorce, Shauwn found renewed strength and independence.
She sold her stake in the Royal Eagles and purchased Real Kings, a team in the second division, rebranding it as Royal AM.
This move marked a significant step in her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
In January 2020, Shauwn premiered her reality TV show, “Kwa Mam’Mkhize,” which aired on Zansi Magic.
The show provided an intimate glimpse into her life, showcasing her luxurious mansion and family dynamics.
Viewers were captivated by the grandeur of her home, often likening it to a five-star hotel, and were intrigued by her Asian helper, sparking conversations on social media about diversity in domestic work.
The show garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Reality TV Show at the 2020 Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards.
Within months, Shauwn amassed over a million followers on Instagram, earning her the title “Mother of the Nation.”
Her influence grew as she was nominated for Socialite of the Year and HAG of the Year at the Feather Awards in October 2020.
Beyond her business ventures and reality TV fame, Shauwn Mkhize is recognized for her philanthropic efforts.
She actively engages in charitable initiatives, particularly focusing on empowering women and children in KwaZulu-Natal.
In January 2020, she collaborated with the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture to donate to Umlazi Com Tech High School, showcasing her commitment to giving back to the community.
Shauwn is also a vocal advocate against gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS, using her platform to raise awareness and drive social change.
Her philanthropic contributions were acknowledged when she received the Woman of the Year award at the 2020 Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards.
In April 2021, she partnered with SABC and the Department of Correctional Services to build houses for the underprivileged, employing prison inmates in the process, further demonstrating her dedication to social responsibility.
Shauwn Mkhize’s journey from a village in Umbumbulu to becoming a multi-millionaire and influential figure in South Africa is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
Her story is not just one of personal success; it embodies the spirit of empowerment and the importance of community support.
As she continues to pave the way for future generations, Shauwn remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, proving that with hard work and dedication, anyone can rise from rags to riches.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
