Dr. Shauwn Mkhize is a shining embodiment of resilience, grace, and unstoppable drive, a woman who has risen from humble beginnings to become one of South Africa’s most powerful business icons and beloved public figures.
Born on April 6, 1975, in the rural village of Umbumbulu, KwaZulu-Natal, her journey is one of faith, focus, and fierce determination.
Raised by her mother, the late Florence Mkhize, a respected anti-apartheid activist, Shauwn’s foundation was built on strength and service.
She inherited a deep sense of purpose, one that would later guide her in transforming every challenge into a stepping stone for growth.
After completing her schooling, she earned a Diploma in Accounting from ML Sultan Technikon, now known as Durban University of Technology.
Education wasn’t just a formality for her; it became a tool she would later wield to build an empire.
After graduating in 1996, MaMkhize began her career working in the finance departments of several companies. But her ambition stretched beyond office walls.
Soon, she ventured into her own small projects for the local municipality, feeding schemes, painting contracts, and construction work that laid the foundation for something greater.
With unwavering vision, she founded Zikhulise Group, a construction powerhouse encompassing businesses like Zikhulise Maintenance and Transport, Zikhulise Auto Recoveries, and Inyanga Trading.
Her business acumen soon extended beyond construction. In the world of football, she made bold moves that stunned many.
MaMkhize left the Royal Eagles Football Club and went on to purchase Real Kings, later rebranding it as Royal AM, a name that has since become synonymous with excellence, flair, and fearless leadership.
She later acquired Bloemfontein Celtic, solidifying her place as a formidable figure in South African sports and entertainment.
In January 2020, her larger-than-life personality found a new home on television with her hit reality show Kwa Mam’Mkhize on Mzansi Magic.
The show offered an intimate glimpse into her life, her family, her empire, and her heart.
It quickly became one of the most talked-about productions in South Africa, even winning Best Reality TV Show at the 2020 Hollywood American Prestigious Awards.
That same year, she took on a new challenge as an actress on SABC1’s Uzalo, where she played a wealthy and mysterious woman who bought the Kwa Mashu Kingdom Church, a role that perfectly mirrored her real-life charisma.
Her contributions to society have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from the Good Shepherd College of Religion, Culture, and Training in recognition of her community work and philanthropy, a moment that filled her with pride and gratitude.
Beyond the boardrooms and cameras, MaMkhize’s heart beats for her people. She has made it her mission to empower black businesses, uplift communities, and advocate for social change.
In 2020, she partnered with the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture to donate sanitary pads and shoes to Umlazi ComTech High School, a gesture that reflected her compassion and commitment to education.
She’s also been at the forefront of campaigns against gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS, proving that her influence goes far deeper than fame.
In 2021, she collaborated with SABC1 Expressions and the Department of Correctional Services, mobilizing inmates to build 20 houses for the underprivileged, a powerful act of hope and humanity.
Her life, however, has not been without its challenges. Through personal and professional trials, Shauwn has shown remarkable grace and strength, continuing to rise above adversity with her head held high.
She is also a proud mother to her son, Andile Mpisane, who has followed in her footsteps as an artist and entrepreneur.
Every chapter of MaMkhize’s journey is a testament to her courage and conviction. From her early days in Umbumbulu to her position as one of South Africa’s most influential women, she has remained authentic, fearless, and fiercely compassionate.
Dr. Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize is not just a name, she’s a movement. A living testament that dreams, no matter how distant, are within reach when pursued with heart, grit, and grace.
She has proven that power can coexist with kindness, and that true greatness lies not in possessions, but in purpose.
And through it all, she remains a woman who walks boldly in her truth, fearless, fabulous, and forever unforgettable.
