A few months ago, Dr Shauwn Mkhize got the internet talking after she shared photos of herself with Dr Zweli Mkhize and his son Dedani. In her caption, she explained that she had decided to take up the big sister role of reconciling her “dear father” and her “little brother.”
As expected, the post sparked a conversation among tweeps who were curious to know whether Dr Zweli Mkhize is Shauwn Mkhize’s real father.
This article looks at the relationship between Dr Zweli Mkhize and Shauwn Mkhize and reveals the connection between the two.
Are Dr Zweli Mkhize and Shauwn Mkhize related?
Despite sharing the same surname, all sources indicate that Dr Zweli Mkhize is not Dr Shauwn Mkhize’s biological father.
According to sources, Dr Shauwn Mkhize was born in 1975 in Umbumbulu, KwaZulu-Natal where she was also raised. Her mother was the late Florence Mkhize- a fierce anti-apartheid activist and her father was the late Sipho Mkhize- an ANC leader and anti-apartheid warrior who was reportedly killed by police.
Although this rules out Dr Zweli Mkhize as Shauwn Mkhize’s biological father, it does not rule out the possibility of a relationship between Dr Zweli Mkhize and Shauwn Mkhize. According to some social media users, Dr Zweli Mkhize might be Shauwn Mkhize’s relative and maybe even her paternal uncle.
As one tweep explained, it should be noted that in most African cultures, the term father is sometimes used to show respect for our elder male relatives and not just biological fathers.
Who is Shauwn Mkhize?
Dr Shauwn Mkhize is a renowned wealthy businesswoman, reality show star, socialite and philanthropist who has become a national household name in recent years.
After graduating with a Diploma in Accounting from the Durban University of Technology, Shauwn Mkhize worked in various companies’ finance departments before she eventually ventured into business.
She founded Zikhulise Group in the early 2000s which has interests in the mining, construction, transport and cleaning industries.
Shauwn was previously married to a former police officer called Sbu Mpisane and together they have a son called Andile Mpisane who was born in 2001. Shauwn and Sbu divorced in 2019.
In addition to her Zikhulise Group, Shauwn Mkhize also has an interest in football. In 2021, she purchased Royal AM F.C, her son is the chairman of the club.
Over the years, Shauwn Mkhize has been involved in philanthropic activities that seek to uplift black-owned businesses and the lives of black people in her community. Her efforts in business and philanthropy work earned her the Woman of the Year award during the 2020 Hollywood And African Prestigious Awards.
Read also: Check out Shauwn Mkhize’s house.
Who is Dr Zweli Mkhize?
Born in 1956 in Willowfontein, Pietermaritzburg, Dr Zweli Mkhize is a medical doctor, politician and former cabinet minister.
Mkhize graduated with a medical degree from the University of Natal. He was employed at Edendale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg in 1984 but was forced to exile.
In 1991, Dr Zweli Mkhize returned to South Africa and served in the ANC national health secretariat.
He was appointed as the KwaZulu Natal MEC for Health in 1994, a position he served for 10 years becoming the longest-serving MEC in the country. He also served as the KwaZulu Natal MEC for Finance and Economic Development.
Dr Zweli Mkhize served as the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs between 2018 to 2019 and later served as the Minister of Health from 2019 until his resignation in 2021.
Dr Mkhize has been a key player in ANC politics and he has presidential ambitions. After failing to secure the ANC presidential nomination in 2017, he recently revealed that he will be seeking the presidency for the second time.