The editor of the Sunday Times, Makhudu Sefara, has been placed on special leave following his implication in alleged irregularities flagged by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Sefara, who also serves as chairperson of the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef), is the subject of an independent investigation initiated by Arena Holdings.
Sefara denies wrongdoing
In a statement issued on 28 April, Arena Holdings confirmed it had engaged directly with Sefara, who denied wrongdoing. The company said it will appoint an independent investigator, with Sefara remaining on special leave pending the outcome.
Deputy editor Mike Siluma has been appointed acting editor with immediate effect.
The development follows SIU findings detailing how National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funds were allegedly channelled through a network of companies.
NLC funding allegedly diverted
According to information circulating publicly, including material linked to the SIU probe, funds from Todi Media NPC, which received a grant for a media project, were partially diverted, with R550,000 allegedly flowing to Unscripted Communication, a company directed by Sefara. The funds remain unaccounted for.
The SIU has already recovered R1.5 million in misappropriated funds and is in the process of referring aspects of the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority.
Further scrutiny has also been directed at funding received by the Sunday World between 2020 and 2022, which is now under investigation amid allegations it may have been used to influence media coverage.
“Further concerns relate to Sefara’s tenure as editor of the Sunday World, which received R24.7 million in NLC funding between 2020 and 2022 at a time when the entity was plagued by corruption and mismanagement. This funding is under investigation amid allegations it was used to secure favourable coverage and counter reporting on corruption within the NLC. If true, this strikes at the heart of press freedom and journalistic integrity,” said DA spokesperson on Trade, Industry and Competition, Toby Chance.
Call for fully transparent probe
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for a fully transparent probe into what it describes as a “deeply troubling” scandal.
“Whilst a step in the right direction, the investigation must be thorough and done transparently to keep the public informed. This must be done in a bid to redeem public confidence in media freedom and integrity.”
Chance added that Sefara should step down from his role at SANEF while the investigation is underway.
“The seriousness of these allegations warrants urgent and transparent scrutiny. Public trust in the media requires the highest ethical standards,” he said.
While no formal findings of wrongdoing have yet been made against Sefara, the SIU investigation is ongoing as authorities work to trace the flow of funds and determine whether any laws or ethical standards were breached.
- Sunday Times editor Makhudu Sefara placed on special leave amid SIU-flagged alleged irregularities; Arena Holdings launching an independent investigation.
- Allegations involve diversion of National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funds, with R550,000 from Todi Media NPC reportedly unaccounted for and linked to Sefara’s company.
- SIU has recovered R1.5 million in misappropriated funds and is referring parts of the case to the National Prosecuting Authority.
- Further probes focus on R24.7 million in NLC funding to Sunday World (2020-2022), amid claims it was used to influence media coverage and suppress corruption reporting.
- The Democratic Alliance demands a transparent investigation, calls for Sefara to step down from SANEF, emphasizing the need to uphold media integrity and public trust.
Sefara, who also serves as chairperson of the
In a statement issued on 28 April, Arena
Deputy editor Mike Siluma has been appointed acting editor with immediate effect.
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“Whilst a step in the right direction, the investigation must be thorough and done transparently to keep the public informed.
Chance added that Sefara should step down from his role at SANEF while the investigation is underway.
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While no formal findings of wrongdoing have yet been made against Sefara, the SIU investigation is ongoing as authorities work to trace the flow of funds and determine whether any laws or ethical standards were breached.
