National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has urged EFF member Eugene Mthethwa to lay criminal charges against individuals implicated in alleged fraud and corruption within the creative industry.
This follows Mthethwa’s complaint to Didiza, where he raised concerns about the persistent trivialisation of fraud and corruption in the sector.
Mthethwa, who serves on both the portfolio committees on police as well as sport, arts and culture, wrote to Didiza.
Implicated agencies, individuals never probed
“I have observed with sadness during the sixth term of parliament how the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture was not given the priority it deserves even when it comes to oversight visits’ approvals, it was forever denied the opportunity to do such,” read his letter in part.
“The National Assembly adopted the Copyright Review Report that had recommendations in view of the remedial actions for the collecting societies that were found wanting. Yet no one has ever brought these collecting societies back to parliament to report on the progress they have made to rectify what was found wrong with their unbecoming behaviour. Instead they are forever in the media for having lost millions to careless investments in foreign lands.
“Week in and week out, SAMRO, amongst other collecting societies like SAMPRA and IMPRA, is forever in the media for alleged fraud and corrupt activities or lack of good governance. Yet no government arm has questioned such or paid any attention. Not even the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has prompted any action against such. Considering that SAMRO is registered as a company under the South African law through CIPC. This should be able to invoke the Company’s Act against the unfair business practices by most of these collecting societies in general.
No consequence management
“The mismanagement of the Presidential Economic Stimulus Programme (PESP), which was initiated to assist the sector post the Covid-19 pandemic that impacted negatively on the lives of the sector people, has never been probed nor seen any consequence management against those who were involved in the gross mismanagement of the public funds that were allocated to assist the sector’s recovery from the historical setback. Instead they have been awarded with higher posts in government and other related entities.
He said that during the 2010 World Cup, R90-million of the R150-million budgeted for sector participation went missing. Despite the then Arts and Culture Minister, now Deputy President Paul Mashatile, confirming the loss, no one has been held accountable to date.
“It is therefore my honest and deepest plea to you to find it in your heart and your conscience to give the sector issues the prominence that they deserve. Just like other sectors that contribute billions into our GDP like our sector does.”
Speaker notes concerns
Responding to Mthethwa, Didiza said: “I have noted your concerns and take them seriously. In this regard, I have forwarded the submission to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, the House Chairperson responsible for Committees and Oversight, and the office of the Secretary to the National Assembly, for them to consider the issues that fall under their authority.
“I have requested the above offices to provide me with a progress report on whatever action they may take. And I would like to advise you that allegations of fraud, corruption and mismanagement of funds must be reported to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation.”
Mthethwa told Sunday World that as of next week, he will begin laying criminal charges.
“This is a significant milestone. I will first consult with the EFF. And then I will proceed to open cases against those implicated in the industry, as well as government officials,” Mthethwa said.
