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The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Samro hits back at claims it suspended its COO for exposing dodgy spending
Mpho Mofikoe's suspension comes after she reportedly found at least R90 million had allegedly been spent recklessly. The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) has denied claims that it suspended its chief operating officer (COO), Mpho Mofikoe, as a retaliatory measure for flagging irregular spending in the organisation. Samro confirmed that it had placed Mofikoe on precautionary suspension, effective Monday, 4 August 2025. Her suspension comes after she reportedly found at least R90 million had allegedly been spent recklessly. Samro denies retaliating A source told Sunday World that Mofikoe had come under pressure since she made the discovery of the suspicious spending. However, instead of getting her a medal, she received a suspension letter. 'Contrary to suggestions in the public domain, the COO's precautionary suspension was not retaliatory, as has been suggested. Instead, it was in response to preliminary findings pointing to potential internal transgressions,' Samro said in a statement. The Citizen asked Samro a number of questions, which included the reason for Mofikoe's suspension and whether it is true that she raised the question about irregular spending, which saw the establishment of a forensic investigation. Samro's forensic investigation In 2023, the Fundudzi forensic investigation was established to look into obscure royalties and dubious boardroom transactions. The forensic investigation focused on the financial years 2020 to 2022. This misconduct resulted in irregular royalty claims amounting to R3.4 million, flagged during Samro's internal processes, from a total of R60 million claimed. R30 million was paid, while the remaining undisbursed amount remains in the Undocumented Works pool. ALSO READ: Mandoza producer says Gupta-linked cabal is trying to capture Samro Precautionary suspension 'The precautionary suspension is standard practice to allow an impartial process to proceed to its fair conclusion without interference,' read the Samro statement. 'Samro assures all stakeholders that all remedial processes, including the implementation of recommendations in the forensic report and criminal investigations currently underway, are continuing uninterrupted. 'The organisation takes seriously its obligation to ensure remedial actions and investigations continue without fear or favour until their just and final outcomes.' However, the South African Police Service (Saps) and Hawks could not confirm the criminal investigation without a case number in January 2025. The Citizen requested this from Samro to no avail. Report unavailable The Citizen requested the full report in January, but Samro said it was maintaining the integrity of the ongoing process. 'The forensic report cannot be disclosed at this time. However, the board remains committed to providing members and stakeholders with substantive updates as the investigation progresses,' it said. The report outlines that Samro paid out roughly R61 985 176.71 to 61 publishers, authors, composers and artists from 2020 to 2022. Directors removed The organisation confirmed that it removed three of its non-executive directors on 10 July 2025 at its extraordinary general meeting (EGM). 'Samro takes the concerns of all its members and the industry at large seriously. We appreciate that our members demand that the board accedes to their will. 'In this regard, it is equally important to reiterate that the board has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that all prescripts from a governance perspective are abided by to the letter. 'In doing so, Samro affirms that it is exercising a duty of care and initiating a process that seeks to reflect the will of the members in a transparent and procedural manner that is correct and lawful,' Samro said in a statement. NOW READ: Samro says Kwaito artist owes them R120k for fraudulent bursary access
News24
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
S'bu Malawyer celebrates 30 years of Kwaito with star-studded show
He is one of the pioneers of Kwaito music. From signature 'spoties', Chuck Tailors, Dickies paired with pantsula dance moves, he embodied the culture and he was right there with the likes of Trompies, Mandoza, Brown Dash, and TKZee championing for the legacy of Kwaito music. Last year, he released the album titled Celebrating 25 Years In The Game. This year, multi-award-winning Kwaito legend Sibusiso Ntshangase (53), fondly known as S'bu Malawyer, plans to host the 25th anniversary celebration at Eyethu Lifestyle Centre on 2 August 2025, along with a theatre production. The Zola, Soweto-born veteran, plans to gather his close music industry friends for one night in concert, going down memory lane with some of his hits. He will be joined by other Kwaito legends who have paved the way for the youth. 'The music industry has changed and evolved it's not a bad thing. But we must never forget where we come from, our roots and the music that made us,' S'bu Malawyer tells Drum. 'This event is a celebration of living and late legends. Even though the album was nominated for the SAMA awards in 2024. I feel like there is still much more to be done with it.' This year also marks 30 years of Kwaito music being in existence, Sbu will also be putting together a theatre production marking the three decades. 'Kwaito has contributed to the new age Amapiano, production marks three decades of Kwaito music being in existence, and the people who contributed to the culture. In the early days as a young star in the making, Sbu dropped out of college to pursue his passion for music. He joined Gibson Kente's stage show 'What A Shame'. He was later introduced to the music maestro Chicco Twala by Lindelani Mkhize. S'bu has been able to immerse himself in the serious side of culture as well as being at the forefront of contemporary music, particularly kwaito. 'This is why a theatre production makes sense because of where I come from and my history.'
