A television production company owned by renowned actress and film producer Sonia Mbele has found itself in the crosshairs of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) over an alleged tax debt exceeding R600 000.
Africa Daily can exclusively reveal that Mbele’s eponymous company, Sonia Mbele Films, risks losing its assets after SARS obtained a default judgment against it in the Johannesburg High Court, paving the way for the taxman to begin collection proceedings.
According to court papers filed in support of the application for default judgment, the company initially owed SARS just under R400 000 in unpaid Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes.
However, the debt ballooned to more than R600 000 after SARS imposed penalties of over R46 000 and interest exceeding R154 000.
Court documents indicate that SARS ultimately secured a default judgment after the debt remained unpaid. The judgment clears the way for the revenue collector to pursue recovery measures against the former Generations actress’s company, including the attachment and sale of assets should the outstanding amount remain unsettled.
Before obtaining the judgment, SARS issued the company with a final letter of demand on 5 February 2026.
In the letter, the tax authority informed the production house that it had failed to settle tax liabilities relating to one or more tax years or tax periods.
The notice stated that the outstanding balance exceeded half a million rand and afforded the company 10 business days to either settle the debt in full or apply for relief measures available under tax legislation.
Among the options presented were 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 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 pay 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 the company to pay SARS directly in settlement of the debt.
It also warned that a civil judgment could be entered against the company, paving the way for a warrant of execution authorising the sheriff to attach and sell its assets.
The notice further advised that the company 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 the company 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 Sonia Mbele Films at risk of aggressive debt recovery measures unless the outstanding tax bill is settled.
Attempts to solicit comments from Mbele drew a blank.