Shauwn Mkhize’s Royal AM faces sponsorship fallout and mounting legal troubles
Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize and the Msunduzi Municipality’s relationship appears to have ended, as workers were seen removing Royal AM branding from Harry Gwala Stadium.
The municipality had signed a three-year sponsorship deal worth R27 million in 2023, allowing the club, co-owned by MaMkhize and her son Andile Mpisane, to host Betway Premiership matches at the stadium until mid-2026.
However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is pushing for MaMkhize to repay the funds, despite Royal AM already receiving R9 million this financial year.
The DA argues that the club failed to fulfill its promise of boosting local tourism and has taken the matter to the Pietermaritzburg High Court, with a hearing set for 28 February.
DA councillor Ross Strachan stated, “We have applied to the High Court to have the contract cancelled.”
Adding to Royal AM’s woes, SARS is pursuing over R37 million in unpaid taxes and has been granted permission to auction the club.
FIFA has also ordered payments to former players, including R15 million to Samir Nurkovic and R600,000 to Ricardo Nascimento.
