South African television personality and entertainer Somizi Mhlongo is reportedly facing a tax bill of nearly R20 million following a legal battle with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
According to reports, SARS approached the Johannesburg High Court over an alleged outstanding personal income tax debt linked to the media personality. The amount initially owed is reportedly around R11.8 million, but interest and penalties have allegedly increased the total liability to approximately R19.7 million.
The development has attracted attention because of the size of the alleged debt and Somizi’s long-standing status as one of South Africa’s most recognisable entertainment personalities.
Reports indicate that SARS had given Somizi an opportunity to settle the outstanding amount or enter into an acceptable payment arrangement before the matter was taken to court. However, the dispute reportedly proceeded to the Johannesburg High Court, where SARS was said to have obtained a default judgment in its favour.
A default judgment generally means that a court has ruled in favour of the applicant after the respondent failed to defend the matter or take the required legal steps within the prescribed period. The judgment could therefore allow SARS to pursue further legal avenues to recover the money it says is owed.
The reported tax dispute is also not the first time Somizi has faced problems involving SARS. In 2022, the entertainer reportedly became involved in another tax-related matter after SARS allegedly moved to recover an earlier debt estimated at around R3.5 million.
At the time, reports claimed that some of Somizi’s household furniture was attached and later auctioned as part of the process to recover the outstanding tax amount.
The latest reported figure is significantly higher, with the alleged liability now standing at almost R20 million once interest and penalties are included.
For now, the reported court judgment does not necessarily mean that the entire amount will immediately be recovered. SARS may still have to follow the appropriate legal procedures when enforcing the judgment and recovering the outstanding debt.
The case has nevertheless sparked discussion online, with many South Africans questioning how a tax dispute of such a substantial value could develop over several years.
Somizi has built a successful career across television, radio, music, live events and entertainment, becoming a familiar face in the South African media industry. His financial affairs have therefore attracted considerable public interest whenever they become the subject of legal proceedings.
The latest development puts the spotlight once again on the importance of meeting tax obligations and resolving disputes with SARS before they escalate into court proceedings.
As the reported legal process continues, attention will now turn to whether Somizi settles the alleged debt, reaches a payment arrangement with SARS, or challenges the matter through further legal proceedings.
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