Over R30-million that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has paid to the Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition from 2014/2015 to 2024/2025 has allegedly not been accounted for.
This was recently revealed in the department’s status report to the National Assembly.
The payments were as follows:
- 2014/2015 – R3.7-million;
- 2015/2016 – R5-million;
- 2016/2017 – R6-million;
- 2017/2018 – R4-million;
- 2018/2019 – R4.7-million;
- 2021/2022 – R2-million;
- 2022/2023 – R2-million;
- 2023/2024 – R2-million;
- 2024/2025 – R1.35-million.
In 2024, Tshepo Ndzimande, a director, actor, and producer, raised concerns and urged the department to conduct an investigation into Moshito.
At the time, Ndzimande said: “The reality is that Moshito has not accounted for the funds used, yet they keep receiving money from the government.
“There was no AGM [annual general meeting] last year, and the department received a report without financial statements.
“Despite never presenting to the board, the service providers I mentioned in the letter received appointments and payments.
“This is against the PFMA [Public Finance Management Act], and the department must investigate.”
Platform for economic participation
According to the department, the Moshito Music Conference was established as a collaborative initiative among key stakeholders in the music industry.
“It was formed with the aim of creating a platform that promotes the growth and development of the local music sector, encourages dialogue among industry players, and facilitates international exchange.
“Continued government support is underpinned by the conference’s alignment with national objectives, including job creation, support for the creative economy, and international positioning of local talent.
“The event serves as a platform for economic participation, particularly for emerging musicians and entrepreneurs, justifying sustained public investment,” reads the department’s statement.
Ndzimande told Sunday World that he is not surprised that millions are allegedly unaccounted for.
“I’m glad the truth is finally coming out. The industry is in a mess because there is no accountability; certain people who call themselves leaders have been looting the department at the expense of artists. Most of these people are not even artists,” Ndzimande said.
“Nonetheless, I’m hopeful the department will start holding people accountable. I reiterate that there was no accounting for the funds.
“The last AGM was held in 2018. The question is, how did the department continue to fund Moshito without seeing financial statements?”
Reports submitted during current term
Board member and director Nhlanhla Sibisi told Sunday World that Moshito chairperson Stanley Khoza would respond.
However, he had not responded at the time of publication.
Another director, Heptor Mailula, said he was new to the organisation: “I don’t know about the R30-million you’re referring to.
“This is my first term at Moshito, and all reports were submitted during our term.”
We also sent questions to the department, but it did not respond. The story will be updated once Khoza and the department have responded.
