When Mandla Mthembu first entered South Africa’s business headlines, his name was synonymous with bold deals and a glittering social life. Today, the same name is whispered in speculation circles because the man who once commanded R2.5 billion in assets has seemingly erased himself from the public record.
Background and Business Empire
Mthembu founded Martial Eagle Investment in the early 2000s, positioning the firm as a player in mining, logistics and real estate. In 2007 he announced a tentative R7 billion partnership that, if sealed, would have reshaped several sectors. While the deal fell through, it cemented his reputation as a deal‑maker willing to gamble big.
- Estimated net‑worth in 2008: R2.5 billion.
- Won an R80 million judgment against Transnet and Sechaba Printing.
- Owned a fleet of high‑end cars, including two matching Lamborghinis that he often displayed with Khanyi Mbau.
Marriage, Lifestyle and Withdrawal from Public View
The turning point in his public persona came in 2006 when he began dating Khanyi Mbau, a young television presenter and actress. Their whirlwind romance captured tabloids: a lavish wedding, opulent parties, and a shared love for fast cars that turned them into South Africa’s version of a celebrity power couple. In 2008 the pair welcomed a daughter, Khanukani, adding a family dimension to their glossy image.
Even as the couple’s personal lives were splashed across magazines, Mthembu’s business pursuits continued. He was still chasing major contracts, and his name remained attached to high‑value negotiations. However, by late 2009 the marriage unraveled. The divorce was settled quietly, and Mthembu’s presence in the media sharply declined.
- 2009: Divorce finalized; Mthembu exits joint public appearances.
- Post‑divorce: Rumored link to entertainer Zodwa WaBantu, never confirmed.
- 2010 onward: No confirmed sightings at business conferences, charity events, or social gatherings.
Khanukani, now a teenager, reportedly has not seen her father in years. Close friends of the family say Mthembu requested total privacy, even blocking attempts by journalists to arrange interviews. This deliberate retreat has sparked endless speculation: Did he relocate abroad? Is he protecting himself from legal entanglements? Or has a personal health issue forced him into seclusion?
Industry insiders note that while his public footprint vanished, his holdings remained largely intact. Share registers still list Martial Eagle Investment under his name, and some of his earlier business partners confirm that he continues to receive dividend payouts. Yet, no one has observed him at board meetings or shareholder gatherings, a rarity for someone of his stature.
Social media, which once buzzed with photos of his Lamborghinis and joint trips with Mbau, now shows only empty timelines. Even the legal teams that once represented him have gone silent, refusing comment on his current status. In South Africa’s elite circles, this silence is unusual and fuels rumors ranging from voluntary exile to a strategic withdrawal to avoid scrutiny.
What remains clear is that the man who once flaunted wealth beside a television star now lives behind an impenetrable veil. For journalists, the challenge is sifting through speculation and gathering concrete facts about a figure who appears to have chosen invisibility over celebrity. Until Mthembu steps back into the light—or a reliable source speaks out—the mystery of his disappearance will persist, leaving his daughter and the public to wonder where the billionaire has gone.