Sunday Times editor Makhudu Sefara responds to SIU corruption claims.
Image: Makhudu Sefara/Facebook
Makhudu Sefara has issued a firm response following allegations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) implicating him in the alleged misappropriation of funds linked to a 2018 community media training event, which he denies.
The controversy erupted on Tuesday when the SIU released a statement alleging that Sefara, along with others, was involved in the misappropriation of funds from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said that Todi Media Development Foundation 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 allege that a significant portion of the funds was diverted away from its intended purpose.
SIU investigations revealed that Sefara's company, Unscripted Communication, where he is the sole director, received R550,000.
According to his statement, he was approached by Daniel Makwela, who requested assistance in organising a training workshop for members of the community media sector.
The event, Sefara explained, took place on 10 December 2018 at the Birchwood Hotel near OR Tambo International Airport. He stated that more than 50 attendees from both print and radio community media organisations participated, and that supporting materials, including images and receipts for venue bookings, were available as proof.
"So, to claim that some funds were diverted into private pockets to create an impression of impropriety on my part is not just false and therefore harmful, but a poor strategy to use my name to generate undue publicity."
He said all logistical aspects of the event — including accommodation, flights, and transport — were duly arranged and paid for through legitimate channels.
Sefara added that the workshop featured several speakers, including a deputy head from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) at the time, and that he personally facilitated proceedings as part of his company’s services.
"If my company, a service provider, is guilty of receiving funds to organise an event, this must surely also mean the hotel, the airline, bus companies that received funds to accommodate and transport this conference attendees are equally liable.
"It’s preposterous. I deny any impropriety on this. I think the SIU is grandstanding, using my picture without even the decency of a call or even a WhatsApp message to seek clarity," he added.
Meanwhile, SANEF confirmed that Sefara has stepped down from his role effective immediately.
The decision was reached during an urgent management committee (Mancom) meeting held on Tuesday after the release of the SIU statement.
"During the Mancom meeting, Sefara was afforded the opportunity to provide his version of events. Although he denied the allegations, he offered to step aside while he formalises his response to the claims," said SANEF.
The forum noted that the questions surrounding the lottery funds stem from 2018. At that time, Sefara was neither working as a journalist nor involved with SANEF.
At the same time, Sefara's employer, Arena Holdings, has placed him on special leave as editor, following the SIU revelations.
The media group stated that it had spoken directly with Sefara, who maintains his innocence and has outlined his account of the events, however, management 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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