Vusi Cat Matlala Biography: A South African Businessman’s Triumph and Turmoil

Vusi Cat Matlala, a South African businessman, rose from humble beginnings in Mpumalanga to become a prominent tenderpreneur. Known for his lavish lifestyle and high-profile SAPS contract, his story is one of ambition and controversy. His nickname “Cat” reflects his elusive nature, navigating wealth and power in post-apartheid South Africa.

However, Matlala’s empire crumbled under allegations of fraud, corruption, and an attempted murder plot against actress Tebogo Thobejane. As of July 2025, he faces trial, leaving South Africa captivated by his dramatic rise and fall, a tale of success overshadowed by scandal.

Vusi Cat Matlala Biography

Early Life and Background

Vusi Egon Matlala, popularly known as Vusi Cat Matlala, entered the world on November 3, 1976, in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Growing up in a small town during the waning years of apartheid, his childhood was shaped by a nation in flux. The socio-political climate of the late 1970s and 1980s, marked by racial segregation and economic disparity, created a challenging yet opportunity-rich environment. Little is known about his parents or siblings, as Matlala has kept his early years private. This secrecy adds a layer of mystery to a man who later became a polarizing figure. Ermelo, a rural hub, offered few clues about the ambition that would propel him to wealth and infamy. His early life laid the groundwork for a journey driven by determination and a knack for seizing opportunities in a transforming South Africa.

Educational Journey

Details about Vusi Matlala’s education are sparse, which only deepens the intrigue surrounding his rise. No public records confirm specific schools, colleges, or degrees, suggesting he may not have pursued formal higher education. Instead, Matlala’s success points to a self-made path, built on practical skills and business savvy. Growing up in Mpumalanga during South Africa’s transition to democracy, he likely learned to navigate the world through experience rather than textbooks. The lack of a documented academic background didn’t hinder him; it may have fueled his hustle. In a country where access to education was uneven, Matlala’s story resonates with those who carve their own paths without traditional credentials.

Family Life

Vusi Matlala’s personal life centers around his marriage to Tsakani Matlala, a socialite known for her flair and presence at high-profile events. Together, they form a power couple whose life has been both glamorous and scrutinized. They have children, though their names and ages remain private, likely to shield them from the media spotlight. Tsakani has been a constant by Vusi’s side, sharing in the trappings of their wealth and the challenges of their public image. Their family life, once a symbol of success, faced turbulence in May 2025 when Tsakani was arrested alongside Vusi in connection with an alleged plot against actress Tebogo Thobejane. Released on R20,000 bail with strict conditions, Tsakani’s role in the saga remains unclear, casting a shadow over their once-enviable family dynamic.

Personal Lifestyle

The Matlalas lived a life most can only dream of. Picture luxury cars like Rolls-Royces parked outside a sprawling Pretoria mansion, designer outfits, and international vacations that screamed wealth. Vusi and Tsakani were fixtures in South Africa’s elite circles, often spotted at events dripping in high-end fashion. Their lifestyle included cosmetic enhancements and private lift-access penthouses, with Vusi once renting one for former Police Minister Bheki Cele. This opulence wasn’t just about comfort; it was a statement of power. Yet, their lavish spending often drew criticism, especially when reports surfaced of unpaid employees and suppliers, hinting at financial cracks beneath the polished surface.

Career Beginnings

Vusi Matlala’s entrepreneurial journey began modestly, with small municipal contracts in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Through companies like Falcon Cat Trading, Black AK Trading, and Cor Kabeng Trading, he secured deals in health services and supplies. These early ventures were stepping stones, showcasing his ability to navigate South Africa’s complex tender system. With no formal qualifications, his success relied on sharp instincts and strategic connections. These smaller contracts, while less glamorous than his later achievements, built the foundation for his empire. Matlala’s early career reflects a hustler’s mindset, turning modest opportunities into a springboard for greater ambitions.

Rise to Prominence

Matlala’s big break came in 2024 when his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District, landed a R360 million contract to provide health services to the South African Police Service (SAPS). This deal catapulted him into the upper echelons of South Africa’s business world, earning him the title of tenderpreneur. The contract, one of the largest of its kind, highlighted his ability to secure high-stakes deals. However, it also brought scrutiny, with questions about how a man with no documented credentials could win such a prize. His rise was a testament to his networking skills, but it also set the stage for the controversies that would follow.

Business Ventures and Companies

Matlala’s wealth was built through a network of companies, including Falcon Cat Trading, Black AK Trading, Cor Kabeng Trading, and Medicare24 Tshwane District. These entities focused on health services, supplies, and government contracts, capitalizing on South Africa’s demand for public sector partnerships. Medicare24’s SAPS contract was the crown jewel, reportedly earning Matlala nearly R50 million before its cancellation. His companies operated in a competitive and often murky tender system, where influence and connections were as valuable as expertise. While these ventures brought wealth, they also attracted allegations of fraud and fronting, casting doubt on their legitimacy.

Legal Troubles

Matlala’s life took a dramatic turn with a string of legal battles that dominate his story. The most shocking involves a 2023 incident where actress Tebogo Thobejane survived a shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton. Authorities allege Matlala orchestrated the attack, with evidence including WhatsApp messages instructing hitmen to target her. Charged with attempted murder, conspiracy, and money laundering, he faces trial alongside Tsakani and co-accused Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela. As of July 2025, the case continues to unfold, gripping South Africa with its high-stakes drama and media coverage.

Corruption Allegations

Beyond the Thobejane case, Matlala has been linked to the Tembisa Hospital scandal, a R3 billion corruption probe exposed by murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran. Forensic audits flagged his contracts as suspicious, raising questions about fraud and collusion. In July 2025, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi claimed Matlala funded politicians, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, to shield himself from investigations. These allegations paint a picture of a man deeply entangled in South Africa’s corruption networks, with his business empire under constant scrutiny.

Impact of Controversies

The fallout from Matlala’s legal troubles has been profound. Once celebrated as a success story, he is now a polarizing figure, with his reputation in tatters. The cancellation of the SAPS contract by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola in 2024 crippled his business operations. Public perception has shifted, with many viewing him as a symbol of systemic issues in South Africa’s tender system. His arrest for possessing a cellphone in Kgosi Mampuru’s C-Max prison further damaged his image, signaling a fall from grace that continues to unfold.

Net Worth Overview

At his peak, Vusi Matlala’s net worth was estimated in the tens of millions of rands, driven by lucrative government contracts. His wealth allowed him to live like royalty, with luxury assets and high-profile connections. However, the cancellation of the SAPS contract and ongoing legal battles have taken a toll. Unpaid employees and suppliers, combined with asset seizures, have eroded his financial standing. While exact figures are hard to pin down, his net worth is likely a fraction of its former glory, a stark reminder of the fragility of wealth built on controversy.

Luxury Assets and Lifestyle

Matlala’s lifestyle was a spectacle of extravagance. His car collection included Rolls-Royces and other high-end vehicles, while his Pretoria mansion boasted luxury at every turn. A R200,000 Rolex adorned his wrist, and international trips with Tsakani showcased their global reach. Their spending extended to cosmetic surgeries and exclusive rentals, like the penthouse for Bheki Cele. Yet, this lavish lifestyle came under fire when financial mismanagement surfaced, with unpaid workers highlighting the gap between Matlala’s public image and private reality.

Current Status

As of July 2025, Vusi Matlala remains incarcerated at Kgosi Mampuru’s C-Max section, awaiting trial for multiple charges. His legal battles, particularly the Thobejane case, continue to dominate headlines. The cancellation of his SAPS contract and ongoing investigations into his business dealings have left his future uncertain. South Africa watches closely, with many wondering whether Matlala can reclaim his status or if his story will end in conviction. His current status is a far cry from the heights of his tenderpreneur days.

Conclusion

Vusi Cat Matlala’s biography is a gripping tale of ambition, wealth, and controversy. From his humble beginnings in Ermelo to his meteoric rise as a business tycoon, he embodied the promise of post-apartheid South Africa. Yet, his legal troubles, from attempted murder charges to corruption allegations, have redefined his legacy. As he navigates ongoing court cases, Matlala’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition. His life raises questions about success, accountability, and the systems that enable both. South Africa awaits the next chapter, wondering what lies ahead for this complex figure.

FAQs

1. What is Vusi Cat Matlala’s full name?
   Vusi Cat Matlala’s full name is Vusi Egon Matlala, with “Cat” reflecting his elusive business persona.

2. How old is Vusi Matlala in 2025?
   Born on November 3, 1976, Vusi Matlala is 49 years old as of July 2025.

3. Who is Vusi Matlala’s wife?
   He is married to Tsakani Matlala, a socialite facing legal scrutiny in the Tebogo Thobejane case.

4. What are the main charges against Vusi Matlala?
   He faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy, money laundering, and fraud, tied to the 2023 Thobejane shooting and Tembisa Hospital scandal.

5. What happened to Matlala’s SAPS contract?
   The R360 million SAPS contract, awarded in 2024, was canceled due to allegations of fraud and procurement issues, impacting his wealth and reputation.