Moses Tembe Biography: Early Life, Career, Business, Wife & Net Worth

Moses Tembe (born 1963) is a South African businessman and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to KwaZulu-Natal’s economic and social growth. Tembe has almost three decades of experience in leadership roles in areas such as real estate, gaming, retail, and manufacturing. He rose to prominence as the father of Anele “Nelli” Tembe, whose untimely death in 2021 received extensive media notice.

Moses Tembe Biography

Mr and Mrs Tembe of Jozini’s community in northern KwaZulu-Natal gave birth to Moses Tembe, a South African citizen, in 1963. He grew up in Umlazi Township, Durban.

Moses, a determined individual, began his academic career by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in public administration and political science at the prestigious University of South Africa (UNISA). With a drive for information and a desire to excel, he later enrolled at the University of Cape Town to continue his studies in financial management.

As a businessman, Moses Tembe understood the need to hone his talents and broaden his knowledge base to thrive in his work.

Tembe started his business in the 1980s by opening butcheries in Durban’s townships. He eventually expanded into property development, gaming, retail, engineering, manufacturing, tourism, and shipping. He founded Bellamont Investments and the Bellamont Group of Companies.

Tembe has held several positions, including:

• Chairman of Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Ltd. (2020–2021)
• Vice-chairman of Gold Circle Racing & Gaming Group
• President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Secretary General of the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC)
• Co-chair of the KZN Growth Coalition
• Chairman of the eThekwini Community Foundation
• Director of the Durban Infrastructure Development Trust
• Non-executive director of JSE-listed companies such as Mr. Price Group (2011–2014), Santova Ltd., and Beige Holdings Ltd. (2014–2015)

Tembe has been involved with several important developments in KwaZulu-Natal, including the Point Waterfront, Suncoast Casino, Richards Bay Eco Junction, and a number of township-based commercial complexes. He has received various honours, including the Ithala Business Award and the Investec Entrepreneurship Award in 2002. Tembe’s company, Moses Tembe Investments (PTY) Ltd., is said to generate around $2.45 million in income each year.

Tembe and Sandile Zungu’s group, Sizekhaya Holdings, won the R180 billion South African National Lottery contract in May 2025, earning an eight-year licence to conduct the lottery beginning in 2026, replacing the incumbent operator, Ithuba Holdings. Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, announced a highly contentious competitive bidding procedure.

Moses Tembe First Wife

Moses Tembe was fortunate enough to have two marriages in his life. His first wife was Lulu Msomi-Tembe, whom he married in a lovely ceremony. Unfortunately, Lulu died from an illness in 2014.

After losing his first wife, Moses married Princess Ntandoyesizwe Zulu, daughter of the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. Moses’ life was filled with love and friendship from his wives, and he valued each one deeply.

Moses and his wife have five children. These children are Nelli Tembe, his daughter and AKA’s ex-girlfriend, whom he had with his first wife, Lulu Msomi-Tembe, and Vukile Tembe, Nosipho Tembe, Mbali Tembe, and Zamatonga Tembe with his second wife, Ntandoyesizwe Zulu.

Controversies

The murders of Anele Tembe and Kiernan “AKA” Forbes brought Moses Tembe to public attention, with social media conjecture linking him to AKA’s murder, which he has categorically denied. In an interview, Tembe expressed sorrow for not intervening more in his daughter’s allegedly poisonous relationship with AKA, emphasising his wish for AKA to bring clarification on Anele’s murder. The Tembe family has supported an ongoing inquest investigating Anele’s death, hoping to find closure.

Moses Tembe Net Worth

Tembe’s net worth is believed to be between $30 million and $100 million, based on his various business enterprises, which include Moses Tembe Investments (PTY) Ltd., real estate holdings, and other assets. He has several properties in South Africa and, supposedly, abroad, including a lavish property in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Social Media

It has been established that Moses Tembe does not have any official social media accounts. This means that any account claiming to be his or being run on his behalf is fraudulent and should be reported to the appropriate platform’s authorities.

As public celebrities, fans and followers must be aware of such nuances to avoid confusion or potentially hazardous circumstances.