- The NLC paid R24.7 million to Sunday World to counter corruption exposes by journalist Raymond Joseph.
- DA will urge Arena Holdings to investigate Mr. Sefara’s actions during his editorship.
- DA demands investigation into alleged misuse of state resources and adherence to competitive bidding protocols at the NLC.
Please find attached a soundbite by Mat Cuthbert MP.
In response to parliamentary questions posed by DA MP Mat Cuthbert, it was revealed that between 2020-2022, the NLC paid Sunday World R24.7 million under the editorship of, Mr. Makhudu Sefara, to counter exposes of corruption written by award-winning journalist Raymond Joseph.
The DA will write to Arena Holdings, urging them to promptly investigate Mr Sefara’s actions during his editorship of the Sunday World.
As one of South Africa’s foremost media stables, it is incumbent on Arena Holdings that they set the record straight and the necessary actions are taken to ensure the integrity of the journalists, their content, and their reputation.
If Mr Sefara is found guilty of taking money from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) in return for writing “good news” stories alleged in GroundUp. In that case, we will insist on his immediate dismissal.
This situation is reminiscent of the Infogate scandal that led to the demise of Information Minister Connie Mulder and Prime Minister John Vorster. It is unconscionable to think that in a modern, vibrant democracy such as ours, state resources would again be used to bankroll hired guns.
Furthermore, it has also been alleged that the standard procedures for competitive tendering were disregarded during the selection process. Tenders were granted to Sunday World without proper adherence to competitive bidding protocols, effectively bypassing due processes that ensure fair competition.
We call on the leadership of the Auditor-General and the NLC, respectively, to ensure that this is addressed urgently, that competitive bidding protocols are restored, and that the tender process for service providers is adhered to.
The DA has been at the forefront of exposing the blatant corruption and maladministration at the NLC. We will not stop until all those implicated in stealing from the most vulnerable in society are brought to book.
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