Michael Khazamula Nkuna, commonly known as Mike Nkuna, is a famous South African businessman. He is the founder of Masingita Group, established in the late 1970s.
Nkuna has made significant contributions to real estate development, especially in previously disadvantaged areas of South Africa. Under his leadership, Masingita Group has grown to own more than 12 shopping centers across the country.
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- Full name: Michael Khazamula Nkuna
- Stage name: Mike Nkuna
- Year of birth: 1960s
- Age: 60
- Place of birth: Xitlhelani, Limpopo, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: South African businessman
- Height: Unknown
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Nkuna
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Thandi Nkuna
- Children: Esley Hangi (deceased) and Lesley Bumba
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: R1 billion to R2 billion (60 million to 120 million USD)
Early life and education
Michael Khazamula Nkuna was born in the early 1960s in Xitlhelani, a rural village in Limpopo, South Africa. He grew up in a humble family, he helped his father at the slaughterhouse and herded cattle. His exact date of birth is unknown and details about his siblings are not publicly available.
Despite his humble background, Nkuna achieved academic and professional success. In October 2024, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Business Management by the University of South Africa (Unisa) in recognition of his contributions to real estate development in rural areas and town.
He has also received honorary doctorates from the University of Johannesburg (2021) and Tshwane University of Technology (2022). Nkuna is of the Tsonga ethnic group and is Christian.
Career
Mike Nkuna began his entrepreneurial journey by working at his father’s slaughterhouse. After three years, he left to start a construction company, taking advantage of subsidies given to black residents under apartheid. Thanks to his success in real estate development, Nkuna became a millionaire and founded the Masingita Group of Companies in the 1970s.
His breakthrough came in 1983 when the Soweto government sold him a plot of land for R100,000. As chairman and founder of Masingita Property Investment Holdings, Nkuna has developed over 12 shopping malls, including:
- Jabulani Shopping Center
- Bara Shopping Center
- Masingita Tower
Nkuna was also involved in other joint ventures, holding director and shareholder positions in companies such as AuctionInc (Pty) Ltd, Sindawonye Granulators and Processers, and Marble Group. He co-owns Marble Gold Automotive Group, the first 100% black-owned car dealership group within the Volkswagen South Africa network.
Currently, he is leading the development of Nkuna City, a smart city project in Limpopo with an investment of R5 billion aimed at boosting the local economy.
Nkuna also had a brief political career, serving as president of the Free Market Foundation in 2012 before joining the Democratic Alliance (DA) in 2014. He became the first non-ANC mayor of Johannesburg in 2016, serving until 2019. Nkuna is also an author, with his book Black Like You (2012) reflects on his life experiences.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @michael_nkuna50
Personal life
Mike Nkuna is married to Thandi Nkuna, who is actively involved in community initiatives and philanthropy. The couple had two children: Esley Hangi, who died September 19, 2022, and Lesley Bumba. Esley’s loss deeply affected the family.
Net worth
Mike Nkuna has an estimated net worth of R1 to R2 billion ($60 million to $120 million). His wealth comes mainly from real estate development and retail ventures, including many shopping malls and gas stations across South Africa.
