Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, one of South Africa’s most followed reality stars and business moguls, has mysteriously disappeared from the public eye. The Royal AM owner and socialite, known for her extravagant lifestyle and high-profile presence, has been notably absent from social media and public events since early 2025.
Her sudden disappearance comes amid her ongoing financial and legal battles with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which recently escalated with the forced sale of her football club, Royal AM, to recover a staggering R40 million tax debt.
SARS Crackdown on MaMkhize’s Assets
In recent years, SARS has been pursuing MaMkhize over unpaid taxes and mounting debts. The tax authority’s efforts intensified in 2024 when it raided her Durban mansion, citing her failure to comply with court orders regarding her financial obligations.
According to SARS, the raid was part of an ongoing effort to combat tax evasion and financial crimes, particularly those undermining South Africa’s economy.
As part of this crackdown, SARS seized control of Royal AM, putting the club up for sale to recoup the R40 million owed. The move came as a huge blow to MaMkhize, who has been one of the most influential figures in South African football.
Royal AM Sale Attracts High-Profile Bidders
The sale of Royal AM has sparked interest from several wealthy bidders, including famous personalities from different industries. Some of the high-profile individuals who have submitted bids for the club include:
- DJ Black Coffee – The internationally acclaimed DJ reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the club.
- David Skosana – A Member of Parliament for the MK Party, who publicly confirmed his R15 million bid but admitted it may not be enough to win.
- Joe Sibanyoni – A business tycoon linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- A Greek businessman, whose identity remains undisclosed, is also rumored to be among the bidders.
With more than five interested buyers, Royal AM is on the verge of changing ownership, marking the end of MaMkhize’s reign over the club.
MaMkhize Goes Silent Amid Legal and Financial Woes
Amid the forced sale of her football club, MaMkhize has vanished from the public spotlight. Fans and media outlets have been searching for clues about her whereabouts, but the once-social media-savvy businesswoman has remained silent.
- Last Social Media Post: MaMkhize’s last Instagram post was on 8 January 2025, where she addressed the financial crisis at Royal AM.
- Statement on Unpaid Salaries: In the post, she acknowledged that Royal AM had been struggling to pay player salaries, a situation worsened by SARS’ curatorship of the club’s finances.
Part of her statement read:
“The club’s management team, led by our CEO and General Manager, has been working diligently with the curator to secure the necessary permissions to release funds for salary payments.
It has always been the ethos of Royal AM to prioritise the well-being of our personnel, and we remain dedicated to upholding that principle despite the current challenges.”
Surprisingly, MaMkhize did not mention her son, Andile Mpisane, in her social media post—an unusual move for someone who has always publicly supported her son, the club’s chairman.
No Public Sightings Since 2024
Since late 2024, MaMkhize has not been seen in public, raising further speculation about her whereabouts and future plans.
- No Public Events: The businesswoman, known for her flashy lifestyle and regular media appearances, has not attended any major public functions or sporting events.
- No Personal Updates: Unlike in the past, she has refrained from sharing glimpses of her personal life, luxurious travels, or extravagant parties.
Many are wondering whether she is lying low to avoid further legal trouble or if she is planning a comeback once the Royal AM saga is resolved.
What’s Next for MaMkhize?
While it remains unclear where MaMkhize is and what her next move will be, one thing is certain—her business empire has taken a massive hit due to her ongoing tax battles and financial disputes.
- Will she make a legal comeback? Some speculate that she might be fighting behind the scenes to retain some control over Royal AM or her other businesses.
- Will she return to social media? Given her highly engaged fan base, a return to social media could be her way of addressing ongoing speculation.
For now, MaMkhize’s silence has only fueled more questions than answers. Until she resurfaces, fans, critics, and media outlets will continue to connect the dots, waiting to see whether this marks the end of her reign as one of South Africa’s most flamboyant businesswomen or just a temporary retreat from the public eye.