The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has cleared its former chairperson, Makhudu Sefara, of any breach of the organisation’s constitution, code of conduct or values following an independent legal investigation into allegations linked to the alleged misappropriation of National Lotteries funds.
SANEF commissioned the investigation after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) issued a media statement that linked Sefara to the allegations, prompting concerns over governance and accountability within the media body.
The SIU alleged 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.
Following the SIU’s revelation, SANEF said it had appointed independent legal counsel to determine whether Sefara’s conduct had contravened SANEF’s governing documents or ethical standards, while making it clear that the process would not duplicate or interfere with the SIU’s own investigation.
“After considering all available evidence – including direct communication from the SIU to Sefara’s lawyers – the investigation found that Sefara has not breached SANEF’s current constitution and code of conduct,” read the statement.
SANEF said the findings were supported by correspondence from acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho, who wrote to Sefara’s lawyers on 21 May 2026 confirming that neither Sefara nor his company, Unscripted Communication, had been subjects of the SIU investigation.
In the letter, Lekgetho stated that: “The SIU does not have any claim against Unscripted Communication, nor did it require any assistance from Unscripted Communication to conclude its investigation.”
Following the conclusion of the legal review, SANEF said it would undertake a broader assessment of its internal processes and policies to strengthen its work in defending media freedom, editorial independence and ethical journalism.
The organisation is scheduled to hold its elective annual general meeting on Saturday, 4 July 2026, during which new leadership will be elected.
SANEF confirmed that Sefara will not resume his position as chairperson and will not stand for re-election.
Meanwhile, Sefara’s employer, Arena Holdings, has placed him on special leave as editor, following the SIU revelations.
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.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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