SARS Takes on Actor Thapelo Mokoena Over R1.4 Million Tax Debt

The taxman knocks on Mokoena’s production door

Johannesburg’s glamorous world of film and television has been jolted by a very real plot twist. Revered actor and producer Thapelo Mokoena, widely known for his roles in Generations, Trackers, and The Wild, now finds himself starring in a legal drama he didn’t script. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has approached the Johannesburg High Court to secure a default judgment against Mokoena’s company, Easy Sundays Production, for failing to settle a whopping R1.4 million tax bill.

This isn’t a fictional courtroom scene, it’s a real-world clash between a celebrated creative and the ever-watchful eye of the tax authority.

How it started: VAT, penalties, and a mounting bill

According to court documents seen by Sunday World, SARS initially demanded nearly R1.1 million in unpaid Value Added Tax (VAT). But with penalties exceeding R111,000 and interest of over R180,000, the figure has ballooned to more than R1.4 million.

SARS didn’t jump straight to legal action. The revenue authority reportedly sent a letter of demand on April 24, offering Mokoena’s company a chance to either settle the amount or negotiate a payment plan. The letter outlined various options, including applying for a suspension of debt or entering a formal dispute resolution.

But Easy Sundays Production didn’t respond, at least not in a way that satisfied SARS. Now, the actor’s company is at risk of having its assets auctioned off.

What SARS plans to do next

In the letter, SARS clearly stated the consequences: If payment wasn’t made or a compromise reached, the agency could apply for a civil judgment and move to attach company assets. The sheriff of the court might soon come knocking, empowered to seize and sell anything of value.

For non-natural persons (companies), SARS notes that businesses can apply for reduced payments based on financial hardship. But it’s unclear whether Easy Sundays attempted to use this or any other lifeline before SARS turned to the courts.

Thapelo Mokoena: A respected name now under financial fire

Thapelo Mokoena is far from a fly-by-night celeb. He’s built a respected brand over two decades, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Through Easy Sundays Production, he’s developed a strong reputation for storytelling and high-quality content. In fact, Mokoena is part of a generation of South African creatives transforming local cinema and television into internationally recognized work.

Which makes this development all the more surprising and troubling.

Industry watchers and fans alike are stunned that a business with such prestige could fall into such a financial snare. Some are speculating on social media whether this is a symptom of the broader challenges facing creatives running independent outfits in a tough economy.

Bigger than Mokoena: A trend among celebrity businesses

Thapelo is not alone. In recent years, several prominent South African personalities have locked horns with SARS. From musicians to influencers, it seems many are finding that fame doesn’t shield them from fiscal responsibility.

What’s becoming clear is that SARS is ramping up enforcement. The message? It doesn’t matter who you are—when it comes to taxes, the rules apply equally.

Public reaction: Sympathy and skepticism

Reactions online have been mixed. Some fans expressed concern and support, believing Mokoena will clear things up quickly. Others were more critical, calling on public figures to set a better example when it comes to business and tax compliance.

“Sad to see another black-owned production under fire. But SARS doesn’t play,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “You can’t run a media company and forget SARS exists. They will find you.”

Unless Mokoena’s team acts swiftly, by either settling the debt, negotiating a plan, or contesting the judgment, the court could soon grant SARS the right to seize assets from Easy Sundays Production.

Whether this story ends in resolution or repossession remains to be seen. One thing is certain: this time, the drama is real and SARS is writing the script.

Want to avoid the same fate?

If you’re running a small business or side hustle in South Africa, let this serve as a cautionary tale. Keep your books clean, consult a tax practitioner, and don’t ignore those letters from SARS. They don’t go away and neither will the debt.

{Source: Sunday World}

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