South African reality TV star and businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, popularly known as MaMkhize, has sent shockwaves across the country following her admission of working with the notorious “construction mafia.” This group is infamous for using violence and intimidation to extort money from businesses in the public works sector.

This revelation comes on the heels of her recent connection to an assassination attempt on a SARS advocate involved in a R37 million investigation linked to her companies. The advocate was assigned to scrutinize her business dealings, further entangling MaMkhize in a web of controversy.

MaMkhize, who is the CEO of the Zikhulise Group, a company involved in construction, cleaning, maintenance, and transport, has a history of legal troubles. She has previously faced charges related to alleged criminal activities, including fraud, forgery, bribery, and tax evasion. Her latest confession only adds to her already tainted reputation.

Speaking at a Women in Construction event in Durban this week, MaMkhize openly discussed her interactions with the “construction mafia,” a term used to describe groups that operate under the guise of business forums but are involved in criminal activities. Despite the negative connotations associated with the term, MaMkhize defended her actions, suggesting that collaboration with these groups is necessary.

“As much as there are construction mafias, it is very important to collaborate,” MaMkhize stated. “I’ve been in the industry for more than 20 years, with the construction mafia involved. But what I do is I sit down [with them]. It’s a cry for help. You need to understand what they need, and you collaborate. I’ve done it. I’ve built quite a lot of people that are coming from construction mafias, which I call business forums.”

She further emphasized that these collaborations have never caused her any problems, and she believes that instead of viewing these groups as enemies, one should listen to their concerns and work together. “They’ve never given me problems. We must look at them as enemies. We must listen, hear them out, and meet each other halfway. That’s how I’ve done it,” she explained.https://youtu.be/lxurJCrXcUs

The KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, acknowledged that the government is “engaging” with these so-called business forums. However, he was clear on one point: “We are clear on extortion because we define that as criminal activity… Those that come with rifles, police must take their roles.”
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In contrast, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean MacPherson described the “construction mafia” as “thugs” in an interview with BizNews, reflecting the government’s hardline stance on these criminal entities.

MaMkhize’s admission has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many expressing their disbelief and concern over her remarks. One Twitter user, @Kat4Kubs, stated, “Collaborating with a mafia makes you part of the mafia,” while another, @SALEM_WORD, questioned, “Negotiate with criminals? TF!” A third user, @King704Mph, advised, “MaMkhize needs a spokesperson ne Spin Doctor ASAP.”

In addition to her legal battles, MaMkhize has recently been hit with a R37 million tax bill related to her business empire. In response, SARS filed a court application to seize 13 high-end vehicles owned by Shandi Trust and Royal AM football club, where MaMkhize holds a majority stake. Furthermore, she was ordered to pay R12 million to SARS in her personal capacity.

MaMkhize’s legal troubles are not new. In 2012, she faced 119 counts of tax fraud, totaling up to R5 million, for allegedly submitting fake invoices. Although she blamed the incident on her bookkeeper, Kishal Reddy, who pleaded guilty, she maintained her innocence. Despite these accusations, all charges were later withdrawn, and MaMkhize walked out of court a free woman.

Her recent confession, however, may prove to be another challenge in her already controversial public life.