The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has linked Makhudu Sefara, editor of the Sunday Times and chairperson of the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), to alleged wrongdoing involving lottery funds.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the SIU confirmed it had recovered R1.5 million that was misappropriated by the Todi Media Development Foundation in 2018. The funds were originally allocated for a media development project intended to cover costs such as journalists’ accommodation, transport, catering, and marketing.
However, investigators found that the money was diverted for personal use, including private expenses and property-related transactions.
According to the SIU, R550,000 of the funds was channelled to Unscripted Communication, a company directed by Sefara. Company records show that the entity was registered in April 2018, with Sefara listed as its sole director, before being deregistered in 2024 for failing to submit annual returns.
A further R900,000 was paid to another entity, Black Dungaree, which was reportedly used to purchase property. The SIU noted that this company is not linked to Sefara.
The SIU also stated that the directors of Todi Media were unable to account for how the funds were spent, raising further concerns about governance and oversight.
In response, Arena Holdings, the publisher of the Sunday Times, confirmed that Sefara has been placed on special leave pending further investigation.
The company said it had engaged directly with Sefara, who has denied any wrongdoing and provided his version of events. Arena Holdings added that it will appoint an independent investigator to conduct a comprehensive review of the matter.
The outcome of this process will determine the company’s next steps. In the interim, Deputy Editor Mike Siluma has been appointed as acting editor of the Sunday Times.
Sefara, who has led SANEF since February last year, had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting. The organisation has indicated that it is preparing a statement.
