In Mzansi, entrepreneurs and celebrities often get placed on a pedestal. But, like all of us, they’re human and sometimes run into money problems. However, unlike us, their money problems are sometimes caused by bad business decisions, trying to evade the taxman and shady behaviour. Let’s take a look at three times celebs were found wanting.
Konka owner Kutlwano Pitso could lose everything over a hefty R10 million debt.
Konka closed earlier this year as a swanky bar and restaurant in Pimville, Soweto, the playground for the country’s elite. At the height of its fame, Konka hosted celebrities and even politicians like Julius Malema, who famously once deejayed at the establishment in 2021. Before it permanently closed this year, rising superstar Tyla and US rapper Gunna were spotted there. They still host events across the country.
Pitso allegedly owes businessman Thabo Mdluli R10 million over an investment in another establishment, Moja Cafe. According to court documents, Pitso first approached Mdluli in 2019 to ask for a loan to expand the business. Between September 2022 and March last year, Mdluli advanced him R3.2 million and R6.8 million. He is now demanding R10.2 million back.
When Mdluli contacted Pitso for repayments, Pitso ghosted him. According to News24, Pitso said the matter had been withdrawn. “Please note that this matter was withdrawn as there was no loan agreement or failed repayment in place. Please call Thabo [Mdluli] for clarity should you need to. Please refrain from entertaining or writing about this media enquiry to avoid unnecessary reputation damage, which may hinder business growth,” said Pitso. We bet he needs a stiff drink right about now.
‘Tammy Taylor’ owner Mel Viljoen fights back against brand theft accusations
Real Housewives van Pretoria star and controversial businesswoman Mel Viljoen recently appeared on Showmax’s Unfollowed. The candid talk show delves into cancel culture’s personal and professional effects on South African celebrities. Viljoen and her husband Peet were accused of identity theft by Tammy Taylor, a renowned US-based nail technician turned entrepreneur.
Taylor took to social media to accuse the Viljoens of appropriating her identity, alleging that they have unlawfully used her name, signature, and proprietary formulas to promote their nail salon franchise across South Africa.
In a video posted on her Instagram and YouTube, Taylor claimed that the Viljoens not only stole her identity but also engaged in forgery by signing illegal documents in her name. She further alleged that they have been utilising her trademarks, logos, and copyrights on various social media platforms without authorisation.
Taylor went so far as to accuse the Viljoens of stalking and has escalated the conflict by filing a lawsuit seeking an eye-watering $100 million in damages. The Viljoens deny this, saying they had “preexisting agreements” with Taylor to distribute her products across multiple regions.
“I feel somewhat vindicated after sharing my story. All I can hope for is that the essence of my story was captured in the final edit,” said Viljoen after appearing on the show.
Mam’ Mkhize finally faces the long arm of the law
Another controversial reality star, Shauwn Mkhize, recently had her properties raided by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). We told you in July that MaMkhize, as she is affectionately known, was wanted by the taxman for nearly R40 million in unpaid taxes. Previous attempts to raid her properties have been unsuccessful, and one time, a taxi full of gun-toting men chased SARS officials away.
SARS raided her four properties (One in Gauteng and three in KwaZulu Natal) on 26 November, seizing numerous documents and several vehicles worth about R22 million, including a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, a Ferrari, a Maserati and a Rolls-Royce Ghost.
They also found a large cache of weapons and ammunition, allegedly owned by a well-known former presidential protection services police officer-turned-taxi boss, who provided security services for Mkhize. According to City Press, those weapons are being tested to see if they’re linked to the assassination attempt on SARS advocate Coreth Naude in July, moments after she left an inquiry into the reality TV star’s tax affairs. Naude was shot three times in an attempted hit while driving to her hotel in uMhlanga, Durban.
So you see, not all that glitters is gold in Mzansiwood. So next time you find yourself envying a celeb or influencer online, remember that mo’ money, mo’ problems.
Tshego is a writer and law student from Pretoria. A keen follower of social media trends, his interests include high fantasy media, politics, science, talk radio, reading and listening to music.
He is also probably one of the only people left who still play Pokemon Go.
