Singer, producer, and composer Zonke Dikana, like many South African artists, including Somizi Mhlongo, Cassper Nyovest, Makhadzi, Dr Malinga, Euphonik, and DJ Black Coffee, has struggled to stay up to date with her taxes and is owing the South African Revenue Services a round figure of R18 million.

SLIPPED THROUGH THE CRACKS

The Tonight singer is said to have defaulted on her taxes for a few years. "She has been paying her taxes but some details slipped through the cracks, and she defaulted. This sort of thing can easily happen to artists because they are self-employed and get paid for gigs per invoice,' a source revealed. This year, the singer acquired a Bentley and a Mercedez V Class bus for her tour.

In a document seen by ZiMoja, a garnishing order has been placed on her bank account, so she is currently paying off the funds in instalments. "The issue here is not defaulting, but the taxman struggled to reach her. The matter could have been resolved long ago but she was unreachable and her debt accumulated with charges,' said the source who added that Zonke is dealing with the matter with the help of her legal team and accountants. Zonke could not be reached for comment.

OTHER STARS WHO OWED THE TAXMAN

South African celebrities have struggled to stay afloat with their taxes including the likes of Cassper Nyovest, who previously owed over R6 million. Media personality Somizi Mhlongo owed the taxman R3.5 million dating back to 2014 and had furniture and other movable assets auctioned off. Limpopo singer Makhadzi is still paying off over R6 million owed to SARS. DJ Black Coffee owed R40 million in taxes and negotiated for the reduction of his debt which went down to R8 million. He reached an agreement to also dispose of his immovable properties to generate funds to pay the R8 million.