Justice Maphosa Biography

Background

Justice Maphosa is a businessman based in South Africa. He is originally from Gwanda, Zimbabwe, though he has also stated that he was born and raised in South Africa. According to Maphosa, his entry into business began at age 13 through a photography venture.

Business Career

Maphosa is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bigtime Strategic Group. The group consists of South African companies operating primarily within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Subsidiary companies operating under this group include Computer Ink And Media Solutions, Big time Strategic Consultants, Flame IT Strategy, and Flame IT Consulting.

Involvement in 2017 Zimbabwean Political Events

In November 2017, Maphosa assisted Emmerson Mnangagwa in going into exile after Mnangagwa was dismissed from the government by then-President Robert Mugabe. During a later address to the Zimbabwean business community in South Africa, Mnangagwa detailed his escape via Mozambique and stated that he contacted Maphosa, who picked him up and facilitated his 16-day stay in South Africa.

Legal Proceedings

Maphosa has faced formal legal scrutiny regarding his business practices in South Africa. In April 2018, it was reported that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) was investigating him for alleged multi-million Rand fraud. The allegations centered on claims that he illegally received tenders from several municipalities in the North West province without adhering to standard procurement procedures.

In a separate matter, Maphosa was convicted of fraud in February for submitting fake tax invoices to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). He received a suspended eight-year sentence following a plea bargain agreement, which required him to repay R843,080.40 by January 2019.