Vusi Cat Matlala Biography: Vusi Cat Matlala is one of South Africa’s most controversial and widely recognised figures. Known for his successful career as a businessman and his subsequent fall from grace, Matlala’s life story serves as both an inspiring tale of entrepreneurship and a cautionary one about the consequences of mixing power with corruption.
With deep roots in business and politics, Matlala’s trajectory from a successful entrepreneur to an alleged criminal mastermind is something that has captured the nation’s attention.
In this article, we will take you through the detailed biography of Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala, covering everything from his early life and education to his career, family, controversies, net worth, and his legal battles. Whether you’re an avid follower of South African politics, business, or crime, this article will give you a full overview of the rise and fall of Vusi Matlala.
Vusi Cat Matlala Biography
Vusi Cat Matlala’s biography is one of stark contrasts—success followed by scandal, power followed by disgrace. A businessman, entrepreneur, and political figure, Matlala once enjoyed the fruits of his hard work and cunning in South Africa’s competitive tender system. However, his story has taken a dark turn, as criminal charges, corruption, and allegations of conspiracy have overshadowed his once-promising career.
Vusi Matlala became infamous for his involvement in multiple scandals, including a high-profile assassination plot, fraudulent business dealings, and a web of political connections. His net worth was once estimated to be in the millions, but his legal troubles have raised questions about the true cost of his success.
This article will explore Vusi Matlala’s life in great detail—his background, rise to power, legal issues, and current status. It will offer a deep dive into the man behind the controversy and shed light on the complex world of business and politics that he navigated to build his fortune.
By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of Vusi Matlala—his career, his family, his downfall, and the impact he has had on South African politics and business.
Vusi Cat Matlala Full Name, Age, and Early Life
Full Name: Vusi Egon Matlala
Known as: Cat
Date of Birth: 1975 (Approximate)
Age in 2025: 50 years old
Nationality: South African
Profession: Businessman, Entrepreneur, Politician
Net Worth: Estimated between $5 million – $10 million in 2025
Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s full name is Vusi Egon Matlala. He is widely recognised by his nickname, “Cat,” and he has been a prominent figure in both South Africa’s business and political circles. Born in 1975, Vusi is currently 50 years old.
Although his exact birth details remain unclear, Matlala’s life has been publicly documented for years, especially due to his rapid rise in business and his subsequent legal troubles. His meteoric success and eventual criminal charges have placed him in the spotlight, where his actions continue to influence discussions around corruption, politics, and entrepreneurship in South Africa.
Early Life and Education
Vusi Cat Matlala’s early life is shrouded in mystery, with few details publicly available about his childhood or family background. What is clear, however, is that Matlala’s formative years helped shape his ambitions and business mindset. Matlala likely grew up in South Africa during a time when political and social changes were happening rapidly, influencing his views on governance, business, and the economy.
It is known that he pursued an education that ultimately led him to a career in business, although specifics about the schools he attended are limited. His early ventures into the world of business reflect a self-taught, entrepreneurial spirit that would eventually define his career.
The drive for success, paired with his understanding of South Africa’s tender system, allowed Matlala to enter the business world and build a lucrative career. His success in securing government contracts would later become both a source of his wealth and the catalyst for his eventual downfall.
Vusi Cat Matlala’ Full Name
Vusi Cat Matlala’s full name is Vusi Egon Matlala. While he is widely recognised by his nickname “Cat,” his formal name is seldom used in public discourse. His nickname has become synonymous with both his business success and the controversies that followed him. Over the years, he has garnered significant attention in the media, especially in South Africa, where he was once regarded as a successful entrepreneur and influential figure in business and politics.
Vusi Cat Matlala Age
Vusi Cat Matlala Age: Vusi Matlala was born in 1975, which makes him approximately 50 years old as of 2025. Although the exact date of his birth remains somewhat unclear, his age places him in the mid-stage of his life, during which he has seen both significant highs and dramatic lows in his career. From his early days of rising to prominence in the business world to his current struggles with legal issues, Matlala’s life has unfolded over five decades.
Business Career and Rise to Prominence
Vusi Matlala’s career began in the business world, where he quickly rose to prominence through his involvement in securing government tenders. These tenders, often related to infrastructure, healthcare, and security services, allowed Matlala to amass significant wealth in a relatively short amount of time.
Matlala was instrumental in landing lucrative deals, including a R360 million contract to provide healthcare services to the South African Police Service (SAPS). His ability to win such high-profile contracts made him a sought-after figure in business circles. With this success came a lavish lifestyle, including expensive cars, luxurious homes, and high-end designer brands, further cementing his status as a successful entrepreneur.
His business empire, which spanned several sectors, including construction, security, and healthcare services, was built on government deals. Matlala was known for his shrewd business practices, and his ability to navigate the complex world of government contracts made him a highly influential figure in South Africa’s political and business landscape.
However, the very same network of connections that helped Matlala succeed in business would later become the source of his legal troubles.
The Fall from Grace: Allegations of Corruption and Criminal Activities
As Matlala’s wealth and influence grew, so did the controversies surrounding his business practices. His name began to surface in connection with various fraudulent activities and corruption scandals. It was alleged that Matlala used his political connections to secure tenders through underhanded methods, including bribery and manipulation of the tendering process.
One of the most significant scandals involving Matlala was the Tembisa Hospital scandal, which involved fraudulent payments amounting to R3 billion. Forensic audits revealed that several tenders linked to Matlala’s business network were highly suspicious. These findings raised serious questions about his business practices, and it became clear that he had been involved in corrupt dealings with various politicians and government officials.
Matlala’s criminal activities went further than just fraudulent tenders. In 2025, he was arrested and charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. This charge was linked to a 2023 plot to assassinate his former partner, actress Tebogo Thobejane. Investigators uncovered WhatsApp messages where Matlala allegedly instructed a hitman to “shoot her in the face so her family doesn’t recognise her.” These revelations shocked the public and placed Matlala at the centre of a high-profile criminal investigation.
Further investigations revealed that Matlala had connections to organised crime. His private security company, CAT VIP Protection, was suspected of being a front for illegal activities, including money laundering and other criminal enterprises.
Political Connections and Influence
What set Vusi Matlala apart from many other businessmen was his deep connections within South Africa’s political circles. His business success was not only attributed to his ability to win tenders but also to his political influence. Matlala was reportedly connected to several high-ranking politicians, including Senzo Mchunu, the South African Police Minister.
It was alleged that Matlala used his wealth and connections to support political campaigns in exchange for favourable treatment and protection. These allegations of political corruption further damaged Matlala’s reputation, as he was accused of using his influence to cover up illegal activities and avoid prosecution.
His links to both the business world and politics have made his case particularly significant in the ongoing fight against corruption in South Africa. Matlala’s fall from grace has highlighted the dangers of political-business entanglements and the risk that such power structures pose to justice.
Legal Proceedings, Arrest, and Incarceration
In 2025, Matlala was arrested and charged with multiple serious offences, including fraud, money laundering, and attempted murder. His case has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of his charges and his connections to influential figures in both business and politics.
Matlala’s arrest was a significant blow to his business empire and political influence. Following his detention, Matlala was denied bail and is currently being held at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria. In July 2025, a surprise raid on his cell uncovered a mobile phone, leading to his transfer to the maximum-security section of the facility.
As legal proceedings continue, the public waits to see if Matlala will be convicted of the charges against him or if his political connections will help him evade justice. His story has become a symbol of the complex relationship between business, politics, and corruption in South Africa.
Vusi Cat Matlala Family and Personal Life
Vusi Matlala has remained relatively private about his personal life, including details about his family. While much is known about his business and legal troubles, little has been shared about his relationships and home life. He has been married, though his spouse and children have not been
In the public eye.
What is clear, however, is that Matlala’s legal battles have affected not only his business empire but also his relationships. The fallout from his criminal activities and his ongoing incarceration have left a significant mark on his family’s life.
Vusi Cat Matlala Net Worth in 2025
Vusi Cat Matlala Net Worth: At the height of his career, Vusi Matlala was estimated to have a net worth of between $5 million and $10 million. His wealth was generated through his business ventures, particularly those that involved government contracts. He lived a luxurious lifestyle, enjoying expensive cars, designer clothes, and lavish homes.
However, much of Matlala’s wealth is now at risk due to the ongoing criminal investigations and legal battles. It is believed that some of his assets have been seized or frozen as part of the ongoing legal process. As his case continues to unfold, it is uncertain how much of his fortune Matlala will ultimately retain.
Conclusion
Vusi Matlala’s biography is a tale of ambition, success, and scandal. Lucrative government contracts and powerful political connections marked his rise to prominence in South Africa’s business world. However, his criminal activities and subsequent legal troubles have overshadowed his accomplishments and placed him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Matlala’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of using business and politics for personal gain. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen whether Matlala will face the full extent of justice for his actions.
Call to Action
If you want to stay updated on the latest developments in Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s case, be sure to follow trustworthy news outlets and legal reports on his ongoing trials. By staying informed, you can gain deeper insights into the intersection of business, politics, and crime in South Africa.
Also, explore more articles about high-profile public figures and their journeys through success and scandal. These stories provide valuable lessons on power, corruption, and the importance of accountability in both business and politics.
