Meet Matana Robert Junior Gumede, Robert Gumede’s Son

Matana Robert Gumede Junior is the third son of Robert Gumede, a billionaire South African businessman who serves as the chairman and founder of Gijima Group. Matana was born in 2000 and is 24 years old. 

Judging by his IG posts, Matana Robert loves leading a luxurious lifestyle. He enjoys partying and riding in very expensive cars such as Lamborghini and Ferrari. He has visited many countries across the globe, including Mexico and the United Arab Emirates, and often rocks designer outfits. Though his chosen career is still under wraps, Robert Gumede Jr. obviously has wads of cash to spend on himself.

How Old is Matana Robert Gumede Junior?

Matana Robert Gumede Junior is 24 years old. He was born in the year 2000, though his birthday is yet to be disclosed. Since his birth, Robert has been accustomed to wealthy living.

At the age of 18, he was gifted a super sports car valued at over R2.8 million, which instantly boosted his net worth, making him a rand millionaire.

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Who is Matana Robert Gumede Junior’s Mom?

Although Matana Robert Gumede Junior is said to be the child of his father’s first wife, Zongi Ndlela-Gumede, his mother is yet to be identified. Based on the response given by Robert Gumede to Adriaan Basson’s (Mail & Guardian) questions dated October 25th, 2010, regarding him giving certain benefits to Mr. Thapelo Petje who signed off the tender awarded to his company, Gijima Afrika Smart Technologies by Telkom, he disclosed that he shares only two daughters with Zongi.

Hence, the businessman had his son from another woman whose identity is still undisclosed. He separated from Robert Gumede Junior’s stepmother in 2005, five years after his birth. And after the divorce proceedings were finalized in 2007, he married Portia Mkhize in March 2010 and she is now Matana Robert Gumede Junior’s stepmom.

Portia is a medical aesthetic doctor who graduated from the university in 2001. After specializing in dermatology and aesthetics, she practiced at many hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal including King Edward Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital. She further enrolled for an Aesthetic Medicine Diploma at the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine in 2015. Three years later, she launched Dr. P Aesthetic Lifestyle Centre in Hyde Park, Johannesburg where she now practices.

Matana Robert Gumede Junior’s Siblings

Matana Robert Gumede Junior has seven siblings; three half-brothers (Simphiwe, Themba, and Keni Gumede) and four half-sisters (Jabu, Roberta, Natana, and Matana). His eldest brother, Simphiwe Gumede aka Sim Dope was born in January 1988. He was AKA’s best friend while he was alive. The two, who were childhood friends, attended St. John’s College in Johannesburg.

During Kiernan Forbes’ memorial in February 2023, Robert Gumede Junior’s brother revealed that it was the ‘Altar Ego’ singer who gave him the name, “Sim Dope” when he joined the school’s rugby team. AKA also wrote a song about him in his second studio album, ‘Levels’ and it’s titled ‘Sim Dope’. Simphiwe Gumede is said to be a businessman. He is married to Tshego Gumede and has two children.

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Robert’s older sisters, Jabu and Roberta are the children of Zongi Gumede, his father’s first wife. Jabu is a private person and has avoided the limelight. Roberta, on the other hand, is more social and shares a bit of her life with the public. She was born on September 18th, 1992, and is currently 31 years old.

She is associated with her father’s company, Gijima Group, and works as the chief marketing officer. She is also a business strategist and public speaker and equally, has an interest in Agri & Health Tech ventures. Furthermore, Matana Robert Gumede Junior’s immediate elder brother is Themba Gumede. He is active on social media but hardly reveals the career path he has chosen.

Lastly, Keni, Natana, and Matana are Robert Gumede Junior’s younger siblings. They are Portia Mkhize’s children with his father. Since Portia avoids sharing her personal life with her fans, there is no information in the media regarding what her children are up to.

What Does Matana Robert Gumede Junior Do for a Living?

In 2018, Robert Gumede’s son completed his high school education. Though it is believed that he must have completed his tertiary studies as well, Matana has not yet disclosed whether he has graduated from the university. Also, in 2018, he said he was unemployed, but it’s uncertain if he now has a job and might probably be working at his father’s company like his older siblings.

Matana Robert Gumede Junior’s Matric Gift of Over R2.8 Million

In January 2019, Matana Robert Gumede Junior and his father caused a buzz on social media when Themba Gumede shared a video where his father presented his younger brother with a Porsche GT3 worth between R2.8 million to R3.3 million. The gift was for passing his Matric as the result came out at the time.

So as a family we decided to fool my little brother and made him believe that he got the Boxster S. Yes he was happy… But wait and see his reaction to what we ACTUALLY him.

Proud of you little bro! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/a3sznVQRai

— TG (@ThembaGumede_) January 8, 2019

His family initially told Robert that they would be getting him Porsche Boxster S but getting to the dealership, the then-teenager was handed the keys to a yellow Porsche GT3 by his father. He was overwhelmed and shared a warm hug with his dad, who later warned him not to manhandle the Porsche the way he did to a Jeep.

After the video went viral, many social media users lauded Robert Gumede for motivating his son to work harder with such an expensive gift. And some others advised parents to follow suit, though, based on what they could afford.

Robert Gumede Junior’s Family Bought a Private Jet for Their Father in 2013

Robert’s father celebrated his 50th birthday in August 2013 and it coincided with the annual “Guma” family gathering. Thus, the family organized a free concert at the Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. It had in attendance international acts such as Keith Sweat and Rick Ross.

The party was held for over four days, and it met all expectations. To crown it all, the Gumede family―Portia Mkhize and Robert Gumede’s children, gave the patriarch of their family a befitting gift of a private jet valued at over R50 million. The whole family contributed towards its purchase and the IT tycoon was glad that he would be using the Bombardier Challenger 604 to go around Africa for his business trips.