Karabo Ngoepe: Senior Editor Steps Aside Amid Lottery Funding Probe

What Happened?

Makhudu Sefara, who edits the Sunday Times and leads the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef), has taken a break from his roles. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says he is linked to a misuse of National Lottery money meant for community media projects.

The Money Trail

• In 2018 the National Lotteries Commission gave R1.5 million to the Todi Media Development Foundation.
• The grant was supposed to fund a journalism‑training program covering things like travel, equipment, and workshops.
• Investigators found that R550 000 of that amount went to a private company called Unscripted Communication, whose director is Makhudu Sefara.

SIU’s Findings

The SIU says the funds were “disguised as developmental projects.” They recovered a total of R3.2 million tied to similar schemes. Todi Media’s director, Khutso Daniel Makwela, admitted the money was misused and has already repaid the full R1.5 million.

Sefara’s Response

Sefara denies any wrongdoing. He says:

• He ran Unscripted Communication as a private firm in 2018, not tied to any newsroom.
• He was asked by Todi Media’s head to organise a community‑media training event on 11 December 2018 at the Birchwood Hotel near OR Tambo Airport.
• Over 50 community‑media representatives attended, and the hotel, transport, and catering bills were paid from the grant.
• He argues that if his company is blamed for receiving payment for the event, then hotels, airlines, and caterers should be blamed too.

He calls the SIU’s conclusions “flawed and overreaching” and insists the event definitely took place.

Political Fallout

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) jumped on the story, using it to criticise what they see as a corrupt link between politics, state funding, and parts of the media. They claim:

• The Sunday Times has long presented itself as an anti‑corruption watchdog, so the allegations hurt its credibility.
• Sanef should explain how someone with alleged ties to questionable Lottery money could lead an ethics watchdog.
• They demand the National Prosecuting Authority act on the SIU’s referral and want any internal investigation by Arena Holdings (the Sunday Times publisher) to be transparent, not a cover‑up.

Sanef’s Stance

Sanef accepted Sefara’s decision to step aside as chairperson. They noted that while he denies the allegations, he chose to temporarily leave his post while he responds to them.

What’s Next?

• Arena Holdings has placed Sefara on special leave and appointed veteran journalist Mike Siluma as acting editor.
• An independent investigation is promised, with the EFF urging that its results be made public.
• The case remains under review by the SIU, and any further legal steps will depend on the NPA’s response.

Conclusion

This situation shows how quickly funding controversies can ripple through media organisations and public trust. For a teen audience, it’s a reminder to question where money comes from, who benefits from it, and why transparency matters—especially when the institutions meant to watch over power are themselves under scrutiny. The coming months will reveal whether the claims hold up and what changes, if any, will follow in South Africa’s media landscape.