The Commission of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has instructed the sheriff to seize the assets of legendary media personality Somizi Mhlongo’s company after he and his associates failed to pay R165, 402.62 towards employees salaries.
Documents seen by Sunday World confirm that Mhlongo and Lindo Maleho are listed as directors of Search Light Pty Ltd, a cleaning services firm that placed workers at Transnet in the Carlton Centre.
Unfairly dismissed
According to a former employee, the company dismissed staff members in April amid internal disputes.
“We were unfairly dismissed in April this year,” the former employee said.
“We received no warning or hearing; we were simply let go. And we then filed a case with the CCMA, which ruled in our favour for April, May and June,” said the employee.
The employee added that they have not received any salary since April 2025. They have since secured a favourable ruling from the CCMA.
However, no payments have been made to date. As a result, the CCMA has escalated the matter by directing the sheriff to attach the company’s movable assets.
Sunday World obtained the CCMA’s Enforcement of Award.
Court enforcement award
It states in part: “You may attach the movable goods of the respondent. You may only take into execution the movable goods of the respondent as attached on written confirmation by CCMA. And you may then realise by public auction the sum of R165,402.62 together with interest thereon at the legal rate. You must pay the applicant the amount due to him.”
The enforcement award was issued on June 23, 2025. Union representative Thabiso Putswe of the Hetelicca Trade Union told Sunday World:
“Somizi and his partners haven’t paid their employees. They had a valid contract with them, but they were in breach. We’re happy about the CCMA’s decision; justice is served. We’re now awaiting the CCMA’s ruling on the unfair dismissal claim.”
Requests for comments sent to Somizi, Maleho and their legal representatives have not been answered. Their responses will be included in the story once received.
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