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In South Africa, the taxi industry is a vital part of the economy, and many celebrities have ventured into this business to secure financial stability. From actors to musicians and athletes, these stars have diversified their income through owning or operating minibus taxis. Here are 15 Mzansi celebrities who are taxi bosses in real life, as reported by various sources.
1. Zimiphi Biyela – Actress and Radio Personality
Known as Zimdollar, Zimiphi Biyela is a radio personality and actress famous for her role as Matron Nkabinde in Durban Gen and hosting a maskandi show on Ukhozi FM. According to a 2021 Daily Sun report, she owns six minibus taxis operating in KwaZulu-Natal.
Biyela confirmed her involvement but remains cautious about sharing details due to the industry’s complexities, stating, “I can confirm that I have taxis, but I don’t like to talk about it because the taxi business has complications.”
2. Hope Mbhele – Actress and Entrepreneur
At just 28, actress Hope Mbhele owns four to six taxis, a business inspired by her entrepreneurial family. She credits her experience in her mother’s taxi business for her success. Recognized in Drum Magazine’s 2023 Top 50 Inspiring Women, Mbhele gained fame through roles in dramas like Umkhokha, where she played Mabusi.
3. Big Zulu – Musician and Former Taxi Driver
Rapper Big Zulu, known for hits like Imali Eningi, once drove a single taxi in Gauteng to support his early music career. While not a fleet owner, he embraced his taxi-driving past, using the income to fund his rise to fame. Big Zulu often poses with taxis, reflecting pride in his hustle, even driving one to music awards.
4. Africa Tsoai – Actor and Long-Time Taxi Boss
Best known for playing John Maputla in Skeem Saam, Africa Tsoai has run a taxi business for over 20 years as a member of the Dorljota Taxi Association in Roodepoort. He acknowledges the dangers of the industry, noting, “You are always looking over your shoulders,” but has survived taxi-related conflicts through resilience.
5. Sifiso Vilakazi (Jomo) – Soccer Star Turned Taxi Boss
Former footballer Sifiso Vilakazi, known as Jomo, entered the taxi industry after a break from soccer. Despite recently joining Sivutsa Stars, he continues operating taxis between Kempton and Tembisa. Jomo occasionally drives when needed, emphasizing the importance of a retirement plan for athletes.
6. Willard Katsande – Footballer and Taxi Owner
Zimbabwean-born former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande ventured into the taxi business, as hinted by a social media post showcasing a new taxi. According to Briefly SA, this marked his entry into the industry, alongside his clothing brand, as a way to diversify his income.
7. Thembi Magubane – Gospel Musician and Taxi Boss
Gospel artist Thembi Magubane, a self-made millionaire, became a taxi boss after years of hustling. Starting as an atchar seller at 16 to support her child, she later bought a bakkie and, in 2010, acquired her first taxi. She now owns over five taxis, balancing her music career with her business ventures.
8. Gatsheni – Maskandi Artist and Taxi Owner
Maskandi artist Khuzani Ndlovu, known as Gatsheni, won a R700,000 minibus taxi at the 2024 Mother of All Maskandi Music Festival, organized by Zimiphi Biyela. He expressed enthusiasm for joining the taxi industry, favoring long-distance routes for higher profits, seeing it as a step toward becoming a businessman.
9. Limit Nala – Maskandi Artist and New Taxi Boss
In April 2025, 26-year-old maskandi artist Limit Nala won a minibus taxi in a music competition, following in Gatsheni’s footsteps. He now operates as a taxi boss while pursuing his music career, aiming to balance both ventures.
10. Siyabonga Sangweni – Soccer Star Turned Taxi Boss
Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates player Siyabonga Sangweni became a taxi boss in 2017 after a career-halting injury led to financial struggles. A 2018 Daily Sun report noted he bought a taxi that began operating in December 2017, with plans to expand his fleet.
11. Nhlanhla Shelembe – Taxi Boss Turned Actor
Nhlanhla Shelembe, a seasoned taxi boss, entered acting to portray the taxi industry authentically in the movie Taxi Bosses, which he produced and starred in alongside experienced actors. Frustrated by inaccurate depictions of the industry, he aimed to showcase its realities.
12. Nthabiseng Keroane – Taxi Boss and Reality TV Star
Nthabiseng Keroane took over her family’s taxi business after her husband’s death and starred in the 2022 Mzansi Magic reality show Imboni Yama Tekisi. The show explores the lives of taxi bosses, including their family dynamics and industry challenges, offering viewers an inside look.
13. Slikour (Siyabonga Metane) – Hip Hop Artist and Taxi Boss
Slikour, a member of Skwatta Kamp, inherited a taxi business from his father, managing over 10 taxis. With more than 15 years in the industry, he learned the ropes by observing his entrepreneurial parents. He remains private about details, citing the business’s sensitive nature.
14. DJ Bravo – DJ and Taxi Boss
DJ Bravo, whose real name is Robert Ndlovu, transitioned from taxi driving to DJing and event decorations before returning to the taxi industry as a boss. Using earnings from his other ventures, he invested in a fast-food business and later became a taxi owner, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
15. Ben Motshwari – Soccer Player and Alleged Taxi Boss
Soccer star Ben Motshwari sparked speculation about being a taxi boss after posting Instagram photos in front of and behind the wheel of a minibus taxi. Fans assumed he was supplementing his income or preparing for retirement, but he has not confirmed owning or driving taxis.
These celebrities demonstrate the entrepreneurial drive within South Africa’s taxi industry, balancing fame with business acumen. What are your thoughts on their ventures? Share below.
