Vusi Thembekwayo to take legal action against Sunday World over fraud allegations
Entrepreneur and motivational speaker Vusi Thembekwayo has announced plans to sue Sunday World over what he describes as “false, defamatory, and negligent reporting” concerning fraud allegations linked to his business interests.
Thembekwayo issued a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter) in response to an article published by Sunday World today, titled “Fraud allegations rock Vusi Thembekwayo and his entity.” The article alleges that Thembekwayo is being sued for R13.7 million by former business associate Justin Rovian Naidoo, who claims the businessman reneged on a promised 50% stake in MyGrowthFund Venture Partners.
Thembekwayo, backed by his company, dismissed the claims, stating no such agreement written or verbal ever existed. He described the article as misleading and damaging, accusing Sunday World of omitting critical information that would have clarified the context of the dispute. He confirmed legal action would be taken against both the publication and Naidoo.
“This is about protecting my name and legacy,” Thembekwayo said, adding that a prior complaint filed by Naidoo in 2021 had been settled without admission of guilt. He also referenced a Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) review of MyGrowthFund between 2016 and 2018, which reportedly found no evidence of misconduct. A separate FSCA investigation remains ongoing, although Thembekwayo emphasized that he is listed as a witness not a suspect.
The allegations and ensuing response have sparked significant online discussion, with supporters praising Thembekwayo for challenging what he calls reckless journalism. Critics, however, point to a history of controversies involving the businessman, including a public spat with media personality Sizwe Dhlomo and a 2021 assault case brought by his estranged wife, Palesa Mahlolo, from which he was acquitted last year.
Sunday World has yet to issue a public response, and attempts to contact the publication were unsuccessful at the time of writing.