Major League DJz performer Banele Khanya Mbere has been handed a tax bill of more than R1.19 million by the South African Revenue Service (Sars), which has warned that continued non-payment could lead to legal enforcement and the sale of his property.
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What the demand says
A final notice from Sars records an overdue balance of slightly above R1.19m and requires Mbere to deal with the debt.
The notice was delivered to him on August 18 and offers insight into a tax matter involving one half of the well-known DJ duo. Mbere has built Major League DJz alongside his twin brother and musical partner, Bandile Mbere, with the pair becoming major figures in South Africa’s entertainment scene.
The paperwork does not explain how the liability arose or identify the tax years involved in detail. It does, however, state that Sars’ records show money remains unpaid.
In its wording, the revenue authority says its records indicate that Mbere did not pay tax owed for at least one tax year or tax period.
The notice identifies the amount outstanding and sets out the period in which Mbere is expected to respond.
- Mbere has 10 business days from the date printed on the notice to clear the full balance.
- The letter specifically calls for complete payment within that 10-day business period.
- If he cannot pay the entire sum immediately, he may contact Sars to discuss alternatives.
- Those alternatives can include a repayment plan or instalments, provided the relevant conditions are met.
Potential enforcement action
The letter goes beyond notifying Mbere of the amount allegedly due. It also explains the steps Sars may consider if he neither pays nor uses one of the available remedies.
The authority warns that failure to settle the account or pursue the listed options could result in several actions, as well as other possible measures.
One option is the appointment of a third party to pay money owed to Mbere directly to Sars. In practical terms, that means enforcement could reach beyond a straightforward request for payment from the taxpayer himself.
Sars also raises the possibility of civil proceedings. A judgment could be obtained against Mbere, after which a court sheriff might receive a warrant to seize and sell his assets.
That warning could place his possessions at risk if the dispute remains unresolved and the revenue service moves ahead with collection steps.
The document also recognises that an individual who cannot pay the full liability may apply for a reduction. Any such request would be assessed under the applicable rules and would depend on Sars’ consideration of the taxpayer’s circumstances.
The court cover sheet shows that the document was electronically filed on August 18 at 9.24am.
Major League DJz backdrop
The demand arrives as Major League DJz continues its journey from a favourite of South Africa’s nightlife scene to a DJ act with international recognition.
The brothers have attracted a substantial audience through their recordings and live shows, with Banele remaining a central member of the act.
The tax notice has now brought attention to his private financial affairs.
It does not accuse Mbere of a crime, and it offers no explanation for the unpaid balance. Instead, it formally records the alleged tax liability, requests payment and details the consequences that may follow if the matter is ignored.
Sars response
Sars spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko said the authority could not discuss confidential taxpayer information with the media.
He said the law prevented him from revealing protected taxpayer details and therefore Sars would not respond to questions about the matter.
A tax demand alone does not prove misconduct beyond Sars’ assertion that a specific amount is payable.
Mbere may still challenge the figure, pay it, negotiate a repayment arrangement or use another remedy available to him.
Even so, the notice establishes a firm deadline and outlines the possible consequences if the issue is not resolved.
Because the alleged liability is greater than R1.1m, the matter could become a serious financial burden for the Major League DJz star if Sars begins enforcing the debt.
