It seems like the relationship between controversial businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, popularly known by her TV name, MaMkhize and Msunduzi Municipality is over. This is after municipal workers were seen stripping off the branding of her team, Royal AM, from the Harry Gwala Stadium yesterday.

R27 MILLION SPONSORSHIP

Msunduzi Municipality sponsored the team MaMkhize owns with her son, Andile Mpisane, The three-year sponsorship of R27 million was signed in 2023 and it had to run until 30 June 2026. When the troubled municipality signed the deal with Royal AM, they also allowed the team to use their Betway Premiership matches at Harry Gwala Stadium, which is in the city centre. The municipality kicked out and stopped sponsoring Maritzburg United when they got relegated to the second-tier division. 

Maritzburg United relocated to Durban, where they changed their name to Durban City, and they are on course for promotion to the elite league since they are log leaders. 

DA WANTS HER TO PAY 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Msunduzi Municipality wants MaMkhize to pay back the money she got from the ANC-led municipality. This is even though the club has already received R9 million in the 2023/2024 financial year. When Msundizi awarded the sponsorship to Royal AM, it was in exchange for the team to benefit the city by attracting soccer fans to fill up Harry Gwala Stadium. This, according to their MOU, was to boost tourism in the city. The DA wants to see the contract between Royal AM and Msunduzi cancelled. The Pietermaritzburg High Court will hear the matter on the cancellation of the contract on 28 February. DA councillor Ross Strachan reportedly said they have applied to the High Court to have the contract cancelled.

MORE PROBLEMS 

Royal AM's problems are piling up almost daily. Their matches on the PSL Betway Premiership have been postponed since December. They owe the South African Revenue Service (SARS) over R37 million in unpaid taxes. This week, SARS was granted the right to auction the team. Royal AM has been ordered by FIFA to pay its former players, Samir Nurkovic R15m and Ricardo Nascimento R600 000 in unpaid salaries and signing-on fees. Msunduzi Municipality spokesperson Zazi Nxele said they were not aware of the stripping yet but would look into it. "We are not aware of the matter yet; judging by the picture, we can't confirm anything at the moment,' he said.