Latest news with #Shauwn'MaMkhize'Mkhize
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
MaMkhize's Mbabane takeover: Glamour arrives but can it deliver substance?
Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize, centre, addressed supporters at CODEC Hall in Ezulwini this past weekend, marking the start of her ambitious presidency at Mbabane Highlanders AM FC — and a bold new chapter in Eswatini football. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix COMMENT Over the weekend, excitement rippled through the football landscape in Eswatini as Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize, the prominent figure behind the now-defunct Royal AM, officially stepped into her role as president of Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. It surely felt less like a football announcement and more like the start of a new era — one driven by image, ambition, and no small amount of controversy. This pivotal moment unfolded during a spirited gathering at CODEC Hall in Ezulwini, south of the capital, Mbabane, where a packed audience listened as Mkhize laid out her ambitious vision for the club. Her address resonated deeply with attendees, making the front pages of local newspapers. Mkhize's appointment has become a hot topic across the nation, stirring the enthusiasm of fans and football stakeholders alike, who are keenly awaiting the potential impact of her leadership. Her passionate call for unity among the various factions within Eswatini emphasised the importance of collaboration. She urged everyone to strive towards building a strong brand capable of showcasing Eswatini on the global football stage. But while many supporters quickly pledged allegiance to Mkhize's presidency, not all responses were positive. Some supporters took to the club's official Facebook page to voice their unease. Their concerns are not unfounded. Mkhize's track record in South African football is not merely colourful — it's chaotic. Royal AM, the club she previously owned, crashed out of the Premier Soccer League under a cloud of unpaid wages, legal wranglings, and an ongoing battle with SARS. Her appeal to have the club reinstated was rejected by the courts, and the football community south of the border has largely turned the page on her chapter. Now, she's attempting to write a new one in Mbabane. But is Eswatini ready — and is she? Her takeover brings immediate talking points. Will her son, Andile Mpisane — who once started matches for Royal AM despite glaring fitness questions — feature in the Highlanders squad? How much control will she exert, especially with Bheki 'Rubber' Simelane remaining on as Director and Governor? And perhaps most importantly: is this a short-term publicity surge, or the foundation for genuine long-term reform? Highlanders are no ordinary club. One of the oldest and most followed in Eswatini, their history is steeped in tradition and community loyalty. Injecting big personalities and South African flair might generate headlines, but it could also alienate loyalists who value substance over spectacle. That said, Mkhize is not to be underestimated. Known for her business acumen and resilience, she is expected to bring a dynamic and fresh perspective as the club aims for resurgence. As she embraces this new chapter with Mbabane Highlanders AM, Mkhize finds herself at the forefront of a movement aimed at reshaping Eswatini football — challenging existing norms and pushing for inclusivity. Still, the warning signs are too loud to ignore. Football isn't built on media buzz and motivational speeches. It's built on structure, consistency, and trust — none of which defined her Royal AM tenure. If she brings the same volatility to Mbabane, the consequences could be damaging, not just for Highlanders, but for Eswatini football at large. Mkhize is betting big — again. This time, the stakes involve more than just reputation. They involve a country's footballing aspirations. Whether Eswatini football likes it or not, MaMkhize will change the game — for better or worse.
TimesLIVE
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
‘I'm human too' — Shauwn ‘MaMkhize' Mkhize asks for respect
Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize wants people to think before dragging her name through mud. The controversial businesswoman and reality TV star has been in turmoil since a raid was conducted by the SA Revenue Service for falling behind on taxes in November 2024 and her exit from former Premier Soccer League team Royal AM FC, which was auctioned off in a bid to recoup her reported R40m tax debt. Recently she was falsely linked to businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala by Ian Cameron during a parliamentary briefing. During a recent sit down on 947 with Robert Marawa, MamKhize said despite Ian having apologised, she felt 'he was trying to get relevance' and needed to give a 'proper' public apology to clear her name. MaMkhize said she wished people didn't overlook the fact that she is human and would respect her feelings when sharing their opinions about her. 'I so wish people can understand I am human. As much as I can look like an iron lady, sometimes it hurts. I'd really love for anyone who decides to write or say anything about me to check their facts because at the end of the day I'm a mother, I've got kids, I've got grandkids, I'm human. 'Yes, I might be this jolly jumpy looks untouchable person, but I'm human. There are so many people who look up to me. If only people can understand I am part of liberation, and I've created a lot of jobs for people. Sometimes when things affect me, before it comes to me first, it affects a lot of people.'
The South African
17-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize says SORRY to Bloemfontein Celtic fans
Businesswoman and controversial football club owner Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize has publicly apologised to Bloemfontein Celtic supporters, nearly four years after purchasing and relocating the club to KwaZulu-Natal in a move that effectively erased its presence from South African football. In an interview on Metro FM, MaMkhize expressed regret for her handling of the 2021 acquisition of Bloemfontein Celtic – which she rebranded to Royal AM – a decision that left the club's passionate Siwelele fanbase devastated. 'I sincerely apologise to its supporters for the name change; I could have done better. I could have done as I did now,' said MaMkhize. 'I told myself that I would not change the name of the team that was founded in 1952.' The apology comes on the heels of Royal AM's expulsion from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) during the 2024/25 season, following repeated failure to honour fixtures. Adding to the controversy, the Pretoria High Court recently ruled that the PSL had long had the right to expel Royal AM, even before the match no-shows. The ruling cited unauthorised transfer of shares and false information provided in the club's original PSL membership application. On Saturday, MaMkhize was announced as the new president of Eswatini giants Mbabane Highlanders, a team with deep roots in southern African football, dating back to 1969. Under her leadership, the team has been renamed Mbabane Highlanders AM FC, and will now sport black kits with golden accents, a break from the club's traditional black-and-white identity. Despite the changes, MaMkhize has promised to preserve the legacy and soul of the club. 'When you look at Mbabane Highlanders, it is structured similarly to Bloemfontein Celtic. The team has committees, a history, and a large fanbase. I felt it was inappropriate to break their hearts,' she said. 'I'm just putting something in place that will represent me and my son, but that will still allow the people who love Mbabane Highlanders to continue seeing it as the team they know.' Despite the fanfare around the Highlanders takeover, critics remain sceptical of MaMkhize's motivations. Questions have emerged over whether the move is a genuine effort to stay involved in football or another high-profile display of power. Last season, Mbabane Highlanders finished eighth in the Swazi MTN Premier League – a modest showing for a club with championship ambitions. It remains to be seen whether MaMkhize's influence can turn around their fortunes on the pitch while maintaining the respect of a loyal fanbase. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
14-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'Bounce back': MaMkhize appointed president of Mbabane Highlanders FC
Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize has been appointed president of Mbabane Highlanders FC in Eswatini. On Sunday she took to her timeline to announce the news. 'A new chapter written with purpose, vision and heart. Leading with honour, the Highlanders way,' she captioned the post. MaMkhize also took to her Instagram stories, writing: 'Bounce back, bounce back.' This comeback comes after a raid was conducted by SA Revenue Service (Sars) for falling behind on taxes, as well as her turbulent exit from former Premier Soccer League (PSL) team Royal AM FC. In March Royal AM was up for sale after the Sars curator put up a public notice announcing the club will be auctioned off in a bid to recoup a reported R40m tax debt she owed.
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
MaMkhize lives it up as netizens link her to the Mkhwanazi saga
From fur coats courtside at an NBA game to glamorous game reserve getaways, flamboyant businesswoman Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize remains silent amid the Mkhwanazi saga. While luxury cars linked to her name are being auctioned off by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and her once-prized football club, Royal AM, slips from her grasp, Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize continues to live life in unapologetic opulence. From fur coats courtside at an NBA game to glam game-reserve getaways, the flamboyant businesswoman remains silent, despite growing scrutiny and public questions around her ties to figures named in a weekend briefing by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. A queen without a club Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize. Picture: X The fall of Royal AM, once a rising force in South African football owned by MaMkhize, has sent shockwaves through the PSL. The team's status has reportedly been revoked due to failure to meet financial obligations, while several sources confirm that Sars is now auctioning off luxury cars linked to her name. Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize. Picture: Instagram But the Kwa MamKhize reality star and business mogul hasn't said a word. Instead, she's been posting, living the soft life, sipping sundowners with friends, posing in designer looks, and even appearing courtside in fur at a recent NBA game in Pretoria. Most recently, MaMkhize was seen enjoying a luxury safari trip, with fans questioning: 'Where's the money coming from?' ALSO READ: Mchunu to report to ANC on Mkhwanazi's allegations General Mkhwanazi speaks out Over the weekend, Mkhwanazi made explosive allegations during a media briefing. While not naming MaMkhize directly, he mentioned that certain businesspeople and celebrities 'with close ties to criminal networks' were under active investigation, leaving the public to speculate and make allegations, and the rumour mill to buzz loudly. 'Some of these individuals are parading on social media, living lavishly, while we know exactly who they associate with… their day will come,' said Mkhwanazi. This sent social media into overdrive, with many users interpreting the statement as a veiled reference to MaMkhize, all unproven allegations, and questioning her ongoing financial muscle amid mounting legal woes. Picture: X A history of high life and headaches Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize. Picture: Instagram MaMkhize is no stranger to controversy. In 2005, she was convicted of tax fraud and later paid back more than R17 million to Sars. Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize. Picture: X Her construction company, Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport, has long been under scrutiny for irregular municipal contracts. Despite her past, she has reinvented herself as a TV star, philanthropist, and luxury lifestyle icon. But the past seems to be catching up again. Netizens react Online, the public has been vocal: 'Sars is auctioning her cars, but she's dining like a queen?' Picture: X 'She's untouchable… or is she?' 'The silence is suspicious.' MaMkhize continues to serve looks and luxury online daily.
