Former tycoon Mandla Mthembu dies at 68 after stroke in New York

Prominent businessman and long-standing ANC member Mandla Mthembu has died at the age of 65. His family confirmed his passing in a statement released on Monday, announcing that he succumbed to complications from a stroke on Sunday evening. 

Mthembu, 68, was admitted to hospital in New York after suffering a second stroke. Despite what the family described as “the tireless efforts of medical professionals”, he did not recover.

Widely recognised for his entrepreneurial drive, Mthembu built a reputation in South Africa’s business circles as an ambitious and determined figure.

The ANC is yet to issue an official tribute. Mthembu shot to fame when he started dating socialite, actress and reality star Khanyi Mbau, a relationship that graduated to a customary marriage and produced a daughter, Khanukani. The two met at a nightclub.

Throughout their tempestuous relationship, the couple displayed a flashy lifestyle marked by wearing matching high-end designer outfits and attending events together.

The couple grabbed the attention when they rocked up with matching yellow Lamborghinis worth R4 million each. After purchasing the two vehicles, the couple embarked on a media tour for photoshoots.

They stayed at a rented Michelangelo Towers in Sandton. The penthouse was R100 000 per month in rent.

Mthembu’s entrepreneurial journey was not without challenges. He weathered setbacks in both personal and professional spheres but remained a resilient figure. 

In their statement, the Mthembu family described him as a “beloved father, brother, and friend” and requested privacy as they mourn his loss. “His legacy will be remembered by many across the country,” the family noted. Details of his memorial service and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Soon after shooting to prominence through his relationship with Mbau, Mthembu faced legal challenges from his business partners and creditors. After the couple called time on their marriage, Mbau revealed in a TV interview that she never saw Mthembu as a husband but as a father figure to her.

"I ended up worshipping him and his money," said Mbau at the time. Before parting ways, the couple was kicked out of their Michelangelo Towers penthouse for failing to pay rent. And their matching Lamborghinis were repossessed.

Mthembu was previously married to Dolly Matshabe, with whom he had two daughters. In August 2008, the Johannesburg family court issued a warrant of arrest after he fell behind on the maintenance for his daughters.

Mthembu came into money after his company with William Peterson, Sechaba Photoscan, a Joburg-based printing business, successfully sued state-owned parastatal Transnet over the sale of Transnet Production House to Skotaville Press. 

The company won the R57 million payout.

Sechaba Photoscan was a joint venture between black empowerment company Sechaba Holdings and established printer Photoscan. Peterson and Mthembu were directors.

He also had Umsobo Investment Holdings and Martial Eagle Investments, which reportedly tried to acquire a controlling stake in media company Johnnic Communications.

He is survived by six children and extended family.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE