SANEF clears its former chairperson Makhudu Sefara of wrongdoing, SIU probe into lotteries fraud continues

Makhudu Sefara cleared of wrongdoing by SANEF amid ongoing SIU investigation.

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.