Veteran journalist and Sunday Times editor Makhudu Sefara.
Image: X/@Sefara_Mak
The editor of the Sunday Times, Makhudu Sefara, has been placed on special leave after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) conducted investigations linked misappropriated public funds linked to projects financed by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
In a media statement issued Tuesday April 28, 2026, the SIU detailed how funds allocated to non-profit organisations were misused, with payments flowing to various entities and individuals, including a company linked to veteran journalist Sefara.
During the investigation, SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the unit recovered at least R3.2 million.
Makgotho said that Todi Media Development Foundation NPC received a R1.5 million grant from the NLC in 2018 for a media-related project aimed at supporting journalists through expenses such as accommodation, transport, catering, and equipment.
However, investigators found that a significant portion of the funds was diverted away from its intended purpose.
According to Makgotho, investigations revealed that Sefara, who also serves as chairperson of the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef), his company, Unscripted Communication, where is it the sole director, received R550,000.
A further R900,000 was channelled to Black Dungaree, owned by Daniel Matome Malatjie, with the funds allegedly used to purchase property in Bassonia, Johannesburg.
"As a result, Khutso Daniel Makwela, the director of Todi Media Development Foundation NPC, admitted misuse, signed an acknowledgement of Debt (AOD), and repaid the full R1.5 million on 30 March 2026," said Makgotho.
A second case involved Zibsiflo NPC, which received R1.71 million between 2019 and 2020 for women’s soccer clinics in the Free State. The SIU found that the project was never implemented and that most of the funds were again diverted. Payments included R1.36 million to Black Dungaree and R200,000 to Charles Malatji, with large sums allegedly used to acquire property.
Makwela, who was also linked to Zibsiflo NPC, admitted wrongdoing in the matter and repaid the full R1.71 million.
Meanwhile, Arena Holdings announced that Sefara will take special leave as editor following allegations of irregularity cited by the SIU.
The media group confirmed it has engaged directly with Sefara regarding the claims.
While Sefara has denied any wrongdoing and provided his account of the events, management has decided to grant him the "time and space" required to address the allegations and clear his name.
To ensure a formal resolution, Arena Holdings said it has appointed an independent investigator to conduct a comprehensive review of the facts surrounding the matter. The media company stated that the findings of this investigation will dictate its future decisions regarding Sefara's role.
Deputy Editor Mike Siluma will step in as the Acting Editor of the Sunday Times.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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