Award-winning producer and DJ, Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe—better known as DJ Maphorisa—is reportedly in a heated legal fight with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) over a disputed tax bill of R3.3 million.
The case dates back to 2018, when SARS notified Maphorisa of plans to conduct an income tax audit, alleging that he had not submitted his tax returns. The agency requested supporting documents, including bank statements, income records, and tax certificates.
Maphorisa later explained during a pre-trial conference that he had filed his returns after the audit began, citing mental health challenges as a cause of delay. However, SARS concluded that funds paid into his bank account formed part of undeclared income and accused him of intentional tax evasion.
Following the audit, SARS imposed a 200% penalty and raised assessments totalling over R3.3 million. Maphorisa challenged the findings, arguing that the calculations were unfair and that his business expenses were not considered. His objections were dismissed in 2022, prompting him to lodge a formal appeal before the South African Tax Court.
The “Mnike” hitmaker is now seeking to overturn the multi-million-rand assessment, insisting that the penalties were unreasonable and that he has been unfairly treated. The case is still under review, with a ruling yet to be made.