Moses Tembe (born 1963) is a South African businessman and philanthropist[2] known for his contributions[3] to the economic and social development of KwaZulu-Natal.[4] With a career spanning over three decades, Tembe has held leadership roles[5] in industries such as real estate, gaming, retail, and manufacturing. He gained public attention as the father[6] of Anele "Nelli" Tembe,[7] whose tragic death in 2021 sparked widespread media coverage.[8]
Moses Tembe[9] was born in 1963 in the rural village of Jozini, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He spent much of his childhood in Durban’s Umlazi township. After matriculating from Menzi High School in Umlazi in 1979, Tembe pursued higher education at the University of South Africa (UNISA), earning a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Political Science.[10] He later completed a course in Financial Management through the Caltex Business Management Programme at the University of Cape Town.
Career
Tembe began his career in the 1980s by establishing several butcheries[11] in Durban’s townships,[12] later diversifying into other sectors, including property development,[13] gaming,[14] retail, engineering, manufacturing, tourism, and shipping. He is the founder of Bellamont Investments and the Bellamont Group of Companies.[4]
Tembe has held numerous positions, including:
Chairman of Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Ltd. (2020–2021)[15]
Vice-chairman of Gold Circle Racing & Gaming Group[16]
President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry[17]
Secretary General of the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC)[18]
Chairman of the eThekwini Community Foundation[20]
Director of the Durban Infrastructure Development Trust[21]
Non-executive director of JSE-listed companies such as Mr. Price Group (2011–2014), Santova Ltd., and Beige Holdings Ltd. (2014–2015)[8]
Tembe has been involved in several major developments in KwaZulu-Natal, including the Point Waterfront, Suncoast Casino, Richards Bay Eco Junction, and various township-based shopping malls. His has several awards, including the Ithala Business Award and the Investec Entrepreneur Award in 2002.[4] Tembe's company, Moses Tembe Investments (PTY) Ltd., reportedly generates annual revenue of approximately $2.45 million.[4]
South African National Lottery tender
In May 2025, Tembe and Sandile Zungu,[22] through their consortium Sizekhaya Holdings, were awarded the R180 billion South African National Lottery tender, securing an eight-year license to operate the lottery starting in 2026, replacing the incumbent operator, Ithuba Holdings.[23][24][25] The announcement by Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, followed a competitive bidding process that faced significant controversy, including allegations of[clarification needed]
Personal life
Moses Tembe was married to Lulu Msomi Tembe[26] until her death in 2014 due to illness.[8] The couple had three children: Anele "Nelli" Tembe (deceased), Vukile Tembe, and Nosipho Tembe.
After Lulu’s death, Tembe married Princess Ntandoyesizwe Zulu, daughter of the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, forming a blended family with two additional children, Mbali and Zamatonga.[4] His connection to the Zulu royal family has further elevated his public profile.
Tembe's life has been marked by personal tragedy, notably the death of his daughter Anele "Nelli" Tembe in April 2021. Anele, a model and entrepreneur, died after falling from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town. She had been engaged to rapper Kiernan Forbes.[27] The circumstances surrounding her death led to public speculation and tensions between the Tembe and Forbes families, with the Tembe family alleging foul play in a letter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).[27] In 2023, AKA was killed in a drive-by shooting in Durban, prompting further controversy, though Tembe publicly expressed grief and denied any involvement.[8]
Controversies
The deaths of Anele Tembe and Kiernan "AKA" Forbes brought Moses Tembe into the public eye, with social media speculation linking him to AKA’s murder, which he has vehemently denied.[8] In an interview, Tembe expressed regret for not intervening more in his daughter’s reportedly toxic relationship with AKA and emphasized his desire for AKA to have provided clarity on Anele’s death.[27] The Tembe family has supported an ongoing inquest into Anele’s death, seeking closure.[27]
Net worth
Tembe’s net worth is estimated to be between $30 million and $100 million, derived from his diverse business ventures, including Moses Tembe Investments (PTY) Ltd., real estate holdings, and other assets.[4] He owns multiple properties in South Africa and reportedly abroad, including a luxurious apartment in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.[28]
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