Makhudu Sefara
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has accused the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) of misrepresenting the contents of a letter sent to former SANEF chairperson Makhudu Sefara's legal representatives regarding funds linked to a National Lotteries Commission (NLC) grant.
According to the SIU, SANEF's statement created the impression that Sefara had been cleared as a beneficiary of the funds. The SIU said this was not reflected in its correspondence with his lawyers.
The SIU said its investigation found that Todi Media director Daniel Makwela failed to provide evidence showing how a R1.5 million NLC grant had been spent. Makwela initially offered to repay R1.1 million, but the SIU rejected the proposal and requested a sworn affidavit and supporting documents detailing the expenditure.
When Todi Media was unable to account for the funds, it offered to repay the full R1.5 million in a final settlement, which the SIU accepted.
