Synopsis
How does one woman—Shauwn Mkhize—transition from founding a groundbreaking business empire, the Zikhulise Group, to becoming the ‘mother of the nation’—a title she received from her fans and followers? Or what would you say are the hidden facets of Shauwn Mkhize’s journey into entrepreneurial prowess, societal influence, philanthropy, and a meteoric rise in the digital realm? Follow this narrative to find out more.
Introduction
Welcome to Shauwn Mkhize’s world; an outstanding South African socialite, a phenomenal businesswoman, a hearty philanthropist, and a television goddess. Mam’Mkhize, as fondly called, is an incredible woman figure you should know about considering her multifaceted life and accomplishments. This article presents a comprehensive examination of the life, works, and positive achievements of this incredible personality. So, read on to unravel what an incredible character Mam’Mkhize is.
- Who Is Shauwn Mkhize?
- What Makes Shauwn Mkhize So Special?
- What Does Shauwn Mkhize Care About?
- What Are Shauwn Mkhize’s Greatest Deeds?
- What Has Shauwn Mkhize Faced as Challenges?
- What Keeps Shauwn Mkhize Motivated?
- Why Is Shauwn Mkhize Such a Role Model?
- What Is Shauwn Mkhize Currently Working On?
- What Could Slow Shauwn Mkhize Down?
- What Can You Learn From Shauwn Mkhize?
Pro Tips
Summary
1. Who Is Shauwn Mkhize?
Shauwn Mkhize is a prominent South African entrepreneur, renowned for her indomitable presence in both the business arena and the world of reality television. As the reigning queen of the must-watch show “Kwa Mam’Mkhize, she provides an intimate glimpse into her multifaceted life as the central figure in the captivating reality show, seamlessly intertwining personal and professional endeavors.
Born on April 6, 1976, in the vibrant heart of Umbumbulu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Shauwn Mkhize has grown to be a force to be reckoned with. Being a South African by nationality, she was raised by her mother—the late ANC leader and veteran—Florence Mkhize who was also an anti-apartheid activist. In addition, Amos Mbulaheni Mbedzi is believed to be her father.
Shauwn Mkhize’s romantic journey began over 15 years ago with Sbu Mpisane, a multifaceted individual, a metro police officer, and a businessman. Unfortunately, the echoes of their once-shared romance took a different turn, hitting the rock soooo haaaarrd, culminating in a 2019 divorce. This incident marked the end of their conjugal union, after a tumultuous legal battle, where assets and business became the battleground for their intricate histories.
During their union, two remarkable lives emerged—Sbahle and Andile—embodying the resilience of acacia trees standing tall amidst the African plains. In a unique twist to the family narrative, Shauwn, the African goddess of compassion, extended her love and care to Tha Simelane, an adopted son whose presence adds a vibrant hue to the family dynamics. Though not bound by blood, Simelane is connected through a bond that transcends genetics; he’s a social media personality, breathing life into the digital realms with a unique charm.
In 1996, she graduated with a Diploma in Accounting from ML Sultan Technikon, now called Durban University of Technology. Little did she know, this academic journey would unfold like the rhythmic beats of a Djembe drum, setting the stage for a career that would resonate across the vast plains of South African entrepreneurship.
After concluding her education, she worked for numerous companies in the finance departments until she went into business for herself… which would later become the bedrock of her many achievements.
2. What Makes Shauwn Mkhize So Special?
Some of the many factors that distinguish Shauwn Mkhize from the crowd are her many awards and recognitions. If awards were currency, she’d be the Dangote of the red carpet. Her list of recognitions is longer than a giraffe’s neck, and each award is not just a shiny ornament but a proof of her greatness, a nod from the universe saying, “Yep, Shauwn Mkhize is killing it!”
In 2020, she won the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards as the Woman of the Year. She also won, in the same year, the Best Reality TV Show at the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards for Kwa Mam’Mkhize. Her collection of accolades is sooooooo extensive that it could give a peacock’s plumage a serious case of FOMO.
Among the things that make Shauwn Mkhize special is the title she has received from her 1 million+ fans and followers, termed “Mother of the Nation.” Being bestowed with the title indicates the level of admiration and respect she has earned. The title isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s like receiving the keys to an entire kingdom of adoration. Just imagine her walking down the street, where the mere mention of “Mother of the Nation” would leave passersby bowing in admiration, babies waving tiny scepters, and the Kanari birds spontaneously bursting into song.
Another distinguishing feature of this great TV goddess is her exceptional entrepreneurial skills. You can tell that not everyone can do what she does. Entrepreneurship is a skill and not a leisure. Shauwn Mkhize has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial prowess by founding and leading the groundbreaking Zikhulise Group. The Zikhulise Group, her brainchild isn’t just a business empire; it’s a celestial body orbiting the financial universe, with Shauwn as its benevolent empress, overseeing the fiscal constellations.
So, what makes Shauwn Mkhize so special? It’s the unique blend of global recognition, socialization, and entrepreneurial prowess.
3. What Does Shauwn Mkhize Care About?
In terms of what Shauwn Mkhize loves, there are so many things you can get, but let’s consider a few first.
First off, she cares about her family. This incredible woman places significant importance on family, as clearly seen in her involvement with her children and an adopted son. Despite her state of divorce, she’s always looking out for her children like the hen covering her chicks from prey.
She also cares about women. According to Wikipedia, “She is considered one of the most influential people in South Africa and an inspiration to women as she has been instrumental in breaking barriers for women in the corporate environment in South Africa.” If the corporate environment were a game reserve, Shauwn would be the majestic lioness leading the charge, fearlessly paving the way for her fellow lionesses to conquer the business savanna. In a world dominated by men, Shauwn Mkhize stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment to women, the breaker of barriers, and the reason the glass ceiling has permanent cracks.
Shauwn Mkhize also cares about the poor and needy. While most philanthropists send checks, Shauwn is out there transforming construction sites into havens of hope. In a publication by the popular Newspaper—Sunday Times—published on 14 April 2021, it is reported that Shauwn Mkhize is building 20 homes for the needy with the help of inmates as her trusty sidekick, proving that even behind bars, one can build bridges to a better future. But that’s a topic for another day. This initiative indicates a concern for social impact and community welfare…a concern that is so monumental that even the Great Pyramid of Giza would tip its ancient hat in awe.
4. What Are Shauwn Mkhize’s Greatest Deeds?
With her many accomplishments as a South African socialite, businesswoman, philanthropist, and television personality, Shauwn has achieved quite a lot.
One of the greatest deeds of this phenomenal personality is the establishment of her business empire. After working on several jobs with different companies, she thought it was time to begin a business. Her entrepreneurial journey reached its zenith with the establishment of Zikhulise Group, a construction company that stands proudly as a beacon of Black ownership. Her entrepreneurial exploits are so legendary that even the Sahara Desert might consider relocating to join the oasis of prosperity she’s created.
Another incredible feat worth noting is Shauwn’s acquisition of the South African football club, Royal Eagles F.C. in October 2019. While many were contemplating whether to buy a new pair of sneakers, Shauwn casually strolled into the world of sports ownership, swiping right on a football club like she was picking the juiciest mango in the market. This step into the sports world demonstrated not only her strategic foresight but also her willingness to challenge traditional industry boundaries.
Shauwn is also remarkable for being an influential trailblazer for women. She has shattered gender norms and emerged as an inspiration to women across the nation. Shattering gender norms wasn’t just a mission for her; it was a full-blown theatrical performance, complete with dazzling display and dancing lions, sending shockwaves of inspiration across the nation. It’s not just a compliment when they say she was an inspiration to women; it’s a thunderous applause from the universe.
Finally, Shauwn’s book launch in April 2023 is another remarkable feat to reckon with. She released her new book titled “My World, My Rules” where she shares her journey to success. She said writing the book helped her cope with past experiences.
When she says drafting the book helped her cope with past experiences, it’s not just therapeutic; it’s a literary exorcism (if you wish), banishing the ghosts of the past with the stroke of her pen. Shauwn didn’t just share her journey; she opened the doors to a parallel universe of rule-breaking wisdom, where gravity is optional, and success is mandatory.
5. What Has Shauwn Mkhize Faced as Challenges?
When it comes to life, you can’t deny the presence of challenges. Everyone has their share of challenges. You do. Shauwn Mkhize also has her share of challenges in life. Life’s challenges don’t just knock on the door; they burst in like unexpected guests at a surprise party, turning your living room into a dance floor.
So, what are some of the challenges Shauwn has faced so far?
To start with, marriage has been quite a rough ride for Shauwn—a major challenge that has left quite a scar on her. Having passed through what seems like the battle of the gods, Shauwn decided to walk away from the marriage in 2019. Though there are no clear reasons as to the cause of the divorce, there are, however, a few indicators pointing to the divorce.
For instance, Shauwn pointed out one indicator during an interview. She says, “I think the small problem that led my marriage to divorce was that Sbu (her ex-husband) loved himself. I also loved Sbu. So, no one cared for me. As time went by, in the process I ended up losing myself. Right now, I’m trying to find myself and regain and find my identity.”
In 2013, a false fraud charge was brought against Shauwn. The charges contain details where she was accused of providing false information to the Construction Industry Development Board so she could get grading that enabled her to access a whooping R140 million worth of government tenders.
In 2014, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped all tax and fraud charges against her. Shauwn finds those charges unacceptable. In her words, “Even though my rights were violated, publicly humiliated, named and shamed, trialed and sentenced by the media before the court made its own ruling. I am still standing firmly on my ground.” Words like this tell you of the assurance they have in their conviction.
Shauwn also faced health challenges. Sometime in August 2021, Shauwn took to her Instagram page to notify her followers about a health condition she was battling with—high blood pressure. Here’s what she said in one of her posts on Instagram, “During my recovery, I really just had to go offline, rest, reset and realign my priorities. One word of advice I’d like to share is for us to not take our health for granted and to listen to our bodies! I went from being well one day to being bedridden and diagnosed with high blood pressure the next.”
6. What Keeps Shauwn Mkhize Motivated?
What fuels Shauwn Mkhize’s motivation isn’t a cup of coffee, it is a collection of several factors worth noting. Each factor casts a ray of hope and triumph so bright that even the sun adjusts its shades in admiration.
Who or what motivates her to keep going? You ask.
It’s the love and support from her fans and followers. It has been reported that Shauwn started using social media in 2020 and gained 1 million Instagram followers in eight months. Fans and followers have since given her the title “mother of the nation”, as is customary in African culture to exaggerate everything they have done and, in some cases, not done. Knowing that there are people who look up to her, love what she does, and admire her achievements, is enough to keep the oil in her motivation box flowing.
Shauwn also stays motivated due to her passion for what she does. Her passion keeps her going even in the face of turbulence. It’s the kind of fervor that transforms every challenge into a thrilling adventure, every setback into a plot twist, and every success into a grand finale.
Sometime in 2021, Shauwn shared a post about her comeback after a brief moment of turbulence. She said, “I’m back with a bang! Refreshed, relaxed and I am ready to face anything that has been thrown at me and is still being thrown at me. I am recharged and sober. Let’s go! I am my mother’s daughter!” You can tell that such a statement only comes from someone who’s passion-driven.
Shauwn’s love for her children also keeps her going against the storms of life. When the hurdles of life appear like mountains, it’s the thought of her children waiting at the summit that transforms each climb into a heroic ascent. Her children aren’t just the center of her universe; they are the compass that guides her through the cosmic journey of life.
Shauwn’s joy grew even stronger at her son’s wedding in December 2022—a wedding that later made her a grandmother. In an Instagram post, she recounts, “I am so privileged to have watched you grow and become the man that you are today @shaunstylist. You’ve come a long way past the hardships and heartaches and now you can finally rest your heart. Welcome Anele to the family, we love you two and are looking forward to witnessing this beautiful love story.”
So, what keeps Shauwn motivated? It’s the love and support from her fans and followers, the passion for what she does, and the love for her children.
7. Why Is Shauwn Mkhize Such a Role Model?
Shauwn Mkhize emerges as a role model for numerous reasons, each side contributing to her inspirational stature. Check out some of the reasons.
To start with, Shauwn is a model for those who sought the path of philanthropy. Her unwavering commitment to philanthropy underscores a compassionate heart, as she actively engages in initiatives that uplift the less fortunate. You can see that evident in her 20 homes building project for the needy with the help of inmates as her trusty sidekick.
She’s also a role model for those who are on the path of entrepreneurship. Having demonstrated her immense entrepreneurial skills, Shauwn has built a business empire for herself, comprising of Zikhulise Group, Royal Eagles F.C., Inyanga Trading, and Zikhulise Auto Recoveries. As an up-and-coming entrepreneur, you can draw inspiration from her feat, knowing that you too can do it.
Beyond her entrepreneurial prowess, she stands as a beacon of empowerment for women, breaking gender norms and charting paths for women in the corporate world. She’s been a committed women’s rights activist. She demonstrates this trait through her posts and speeches at formal gatherings, but most importantly, through her actions.
In all, Shauwn’s role model status isn’t confined to a singular trait but is an elaborate mixture of philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and women empowerment.
8. What Is Shauwn Mkhize Currently Working On?
As a public figure, Shauwn often engages in various endeavors that cut across business ventures, philanthropy, media projects, and personal kinds of stuff. Her involvement in various endeavors isn’t just a checklist; it’s a display of achievements that would make overachieving Olokun (a Yoruba deity associated with wealth, commerce, and the sea) blush with envy. But that’s by the way.
What is she currently working on? You ask.
Remember that Shauwn runs a TV reality show known as Kwa Mam’Mkhize, as earlier mentioned in this article, which has produced a series of episodes during the first season. Currently, she’s working on the new season—Kwa Mam’Mkhize season 2—which had its debut on Showmax on 14 December 2023, and has since featured fresh episodes every Tuesday. Her TV show turns mundane Tuesdays into the most anticipated day of the week with episodes fresher than Wizkid’s morning smoothie; the kind of show that leaves you wondering if your TV just upgraded to the VIP section of the entertainment world.
9. What Could Slow Shauwn Mkhize Down?
Shauwn Mkhize is really driven and doesn’t easily give up—almost unstoppable. But if you’re to have a little fun and think about what could slow her down…what could that be? Let’s play along with the idea for a moment.
Just like everyone else, health challenges are inevitable. Health challenges are like having a surprise visit from that distant relative you didn’t invite—unavoidable and slightly annoying. Remember the high blood pressure episode earlier mentioned in this article? Remember? Yeah, even Shauwn had to hit the pause button on her epic life until she made a comeback a few days after recovery.
Another factor that could slow Shauwn down is legal or regulatory issues. Recall when she had false charges against her? Well, she narrated that the charges affected her persona, socially and financially. Such an incident has what it takes to lead her into depression—a factor that could drastically affect her aspirations and business operations.
A shift in public perception or media scrutiny could influence the trajectory of her public engagements. Think about this for a moment…what if she were found guilty of the fraud charges labeled against her, would she still thrive in business? Can investors find her trustworthy? As simple as this factor may seem, it holds a great impact on Shauwn’s performance in life and business.
Technological advancements could also be a factor in slowing Shauwn down, especially in the area of business operation. Rapid advancements in technology might require adjustments or strategic shifts, especially with the emergence of AI and ML. On her part, she and her team need to adjust rapidly to meet market changes and stay in the game.
10. What Can You Learn From Shauwn Mkhize?
Shauwn Mkhize’s life is an embodiment of several teachings. From this iconic figure, you can learn the following lessons:
Learn to take care of your health amidst your busy schedule because health is wealth. When she shares that she went from “well” to “bed-ridden” in the blink of an eye, it’s not just a health hiccup; it’s a theatrical performance of body symphonies, where one day you’re the lead dancer, and the next day you’re doing the cha-cha with a blood pressure monitor.
Be resilient and persevering in your life’s pursuit. Shauwn’s journey showcases the power of resilience and perseverance in overcoming challenges both in business (in terms of legal charges) and personal life (in terms of divorce). She turns setbacks into stepping stones, served with a side of “Is there anything I can’t handle?”
Learn to balance personal and professional life like Shauwn. The seamless integration of her personal and professional life on platforms life Kwa Mam’Mkhize underscores the importance of finding a balance between the two.
Also, Shauwn’s commitment to philanthropy serves as a reminder of the positive impact you—as a successful individual—can have on your communities. The positive impact she’s creating is so impressive that even Mother Nature is considering outsourcing the job to her.
Learn to appreciate the role of women in society, especially in the corporate world. As a trailblazer for women, Shauwn’s story encourages the breaking of gender barriers and the pursuit of success for women beyond societal limitations. Her pursuit for women’s liberation is so firm; it’s like she’s handing out success packages to women, complete with a note saying, “Limitations not included—we’re fully booked on empowerment flights.”
Shauwn teaches you to diversify your ventures. Her involvement in various business sectors emphasizes the benefits of diversifying ventures, spreading risks, and exploring opportunities. It’s like she’s collecting industries the way some people collect stamps—each one a rare, exotic addition to her portfolio. For instance, she’s into the media business, also into construction, and more.
Pro Tips
This section deals with two major areas. First off, you’ll pick up a few pro tips that help you to do further studies on Shauwn Mkhize, and learn more about her business and social skills.
Next, you’ll learn pro tips on how to develop those skills.
To learn more about Shauwn Mkhize, including her entrepreneurial and social skills:
· Follow Her On Instagram: Her Instagram page is like the digital trail where her entrepreneurial footprints are as prominent as a lion’s paw prints in the African savannah. There, she drops posts that relate to almost all aspects of her life, including business, family, special projects, and many others.
· Check Out Her Interviews: Being a public figure, she’s been featured in reputable magazines, TV interviews, and online platforms where she shares the good, the bad, and the ugly side of her life. You can find uncommon information about her.
· Follow Her TV Show: Your adventurous self would thank you for keeping up with Shauwn’s Kwa Mam’Mkhize TV Show. The platform allows you to have a front-row seat to witness her entrepreneurial prowess and social engagements in action, like watching a live documentary of a lioness leading her pride.
· Read Her Book: Shauwn has a book to her name, titled, “My Life, My Rules” where she unraveled her life’s ordeals, and how she overcame them. Her book is an ever-reliable source of knowledge about her values and thought patterns. Reading her book is like opening a treasure chest of insights, where each page reveals another facet of her dynamic personality and secrets to her success.
In a nutshell, learning about Shauwn Mkhize’s entrepreneurial and social skills is a journey that promises both enlightenment and entertainment.
To learn pro tips on how to develop entrepreneurial and social skills:
· Explore workshops that teach how to develop entrepreneurial and social skills.
· Attend relevant seminars, preferably by those who are already where you want to be.
· Get online courses–free or paid–and build your knowledge bank.
· Network with people within the industry by attending events where you can adapt to the social dynamics of successful entrepreneurs.
Summary
This narrative observes the life of Shauwn Mkhize, an outstanding South African socialite, a phenomenal businesswoman, a hearty philanthropist, and a television goddess. She emerges as a beacon of resilience and versatility. She also defies gender norms, inspiring women nationwide to become what they can be.
Her multifaceted journey includes founding the groundbreaking Zikhulise Group, amassing over 3 million followers on Instagram, and acquiring the South African football club, Royal Eagles F.C.
Just to emphasize, acquiring the Royal Eagles F.C. is an oxymoronic combination—a harmonious clash of business and football, where sports meet the boardroom, and success becomes the goalpost of her extraordinary journey.
If success were a person, Shauwn would be one. It’s no secret that she’s built quite a reputation for herself over the years. She’s a force to reckon with.
