The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has reportedly issued a final notice to renowned media figure and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba concerning an alleged outstanding tax debt exceeding R7 million.
The notice, sent on 17 February, grants Matheba 10 business days to either pay the full amount or arrange a suitable payment plan with SARS. If unresolved within this period, the tax authority may pursue legal action to recover the debt, which could include applying for a civil judgment. This would allow court officials to seize and auction her assets to recoup the owed sum.
The issue is believed to stem from an alleged failure to submit personal income tax returns for the 2025 financial year. In South Africa, taxpayers must file returns within deadlines set by SARS; failure to comply may lead to penalties, interest, and potential legal proceedings.
Matheba’s publicist has declined to comment in detail, stating that any tax matters are private and handled directly between Matheba and SARS. Likewise, SARS has refrained from commenting, citing taxpayer confidentiality laws designed to protect individual financial information.
This notice comes amid SARS’ heightened efforts to enforce compliance among high-income earners, especially influencers, celebrities, and digital entrepreneurs who often have diverse income streams from endorsements, sponsorships, business ventures, and online platforms. The tax authority has emphasized that all income sources must be reported in line with South African tax regulations.
Bonang Matheba is one of South Africa’s most prominent media personalities and businesswomen, with a career spanning television, radio, authorship, and entrepreneurship alongside various brand partnerships. 
While the dispute remains unresolved publicly, such matters are often settled privately through payment arrangements or adjustments to tax filings.
At present, it is unclear whether Matheba has responded to the notice or made any arrangements with SARS. Given South Africa’s strict privacy laws around taxpayer information, further details are expected to remain confidential.
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