The taxman has obtained a default judgment against media personality Masechaba Ndlovu after she failed to settle a tax bill of over half a million rand. Africa Daily can exclusively reveal that Masechaba, the former Metro FM presenter, will no longer qualify for credit after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) blacklisted her by obtaining a default judgment against her at the Joburg High Court last week. According to the default judgment, which Africa Daily has seen, Masechaba, who worked as a news presenter on Newzroom Africa’s Weekend Report show until she resigned in April this year, owes SARS over R600 000 in unpaid personal income tax.
The former eNCA news anchor first owed the revenue service more than R474 000 in unpaid personal tax. But the debt increased after the tax-collecting authority added over R164 000 in interest to the original quantum.
Before approaching the high court, SARS issued Masechaba with a final letter of demand on 3 August 2026, giving her 10 business days to settle the debt in full or apply for relief measures available under tax legislation.
These included an application to pay the debt in instalments, a request to suspend payment pending the outcome of a formal dispute, or an application for a compromise of the debt.
At the time, the outstanding amount stood at more than R700 000.
SARS had also informed Masechaba that she had failed to settle tax liabilities relating to one or more tax years or tax periods.
The notice stated that the outstanding balance exceeded R716 797.39 and gave her 10 business days to either settle the debt in full or apply for relief.
Among the options available was an arrangement to pay the debt in instalments, an application to suspend payment pending the outcome of a formal dispute, or a compromise of a portion of the debt where such an arrangement would provide a better return to the fiscus than liquidation, sequestration or other collection measures.
SARS warned that failure to settle the debt or make use of the available remedies would trigger enforcement action.
The revenue collector further indicated that it could appoint third parties holding money on behalf of Masechaba to pay SARS directly towards the outstanding debt.
It also warned that a civil judgment could be entered against her, paving the way for a warrant of execution authorising the sheriff to attach and sell her assets.
The notice further advised Masechaba that she could apply within five business days for a reduction of the amount recoverable by SARS based on basic living expenses and other relevant factors.
It appears Masechaba had reduced the amount reflected in the final letter of demand but failed to respond to the letter of demand or make arrangements to settle the debt, prompting SARS to approach the high court for a default judgment.
The judgment now places Masechaba at risk of aggressive debt recovery measures again unless the outstanding tax bill is settled.
When pressed for comment Masechaba asked Africa Daily to send her a text message. However, she had not responded to the written enquiry at the time of publication.
