The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) has concluded that former chairperson and Sunday Times editor Makhudu Sefara did not violate the organisation’s constitution, code of conduct or ethical standards following an independent legal review into allegations connected to the alleged misuse of National Lotteries Commission funding.
The outcome was announced on Friday, just ahead of Sanef’s elective annual general meeting, bringing to a close the organisation’s internal assessment launched after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) publicly associated Sefara with its wider investigation.
Independent Review Examined Allegations
Sanef said it appointed independent legal counsel to examine whether Sefara’s actions conflicted with the organisation’s governing rules or values.
The forum stressed that its review was strictly an internal governance process and was never intended to interfere with or duplicate the SIU’s ongoing investigation.
After assessing the available evidence, including official communication between the SIU and Sefara’s legal representatives, the legal review concluded that there was no basis to find that Sefara had breached Sanef’s standards.
SIU Letter Played Key Role in Findings
A significant factor in the review was a letter dated May 21 from acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho to Sefara’s lawyers.
According to Sanef, the correspondence clarified that neither Sefara nor his company, Unscripted Communication, had been the focus of the SIU investigation.
The letter further stated that no adverse findings had been made against either Sefara or the company and confirmed that the SIU had no claim against them.
Sanef quoted the communication as stating that Unscripted Communication “was never a subject of the SIU investigation” and that the investigative body held no claims against the business or its owner.
Decision Follows Sefara’s Temporary Withdrawal
Sefara voluntarily stepped aside as Sanef chairperson in April after the SIU publicly linked him to allegations surrounding National Lotteries Commission funding.
At the time, Sanef announced it would commission an independent legal assessment while allowing the SIU to continue its investigation without interference.
The internal review has now concluded that Sefara committed no wrongdoing under the organisation’s own constitutional and ethical framework.
Governance Reforms Planned
Following the completion of the inquiry, Sanef said it intends to evaluate its internal governance procedures and policies to further strengthen accountability within the organisation.
The forum added that the review will focus on reinforcing media freedom, editorial independence and ethical journalism while ensuring its governance systems remain robust.
Sefara Will Not Return as Sanef Chair
Despite being cleared by the internal investigation, Sefara will not return to lead the organisation.
Sanef confirmed he will not resume his position as chairperson and will not contest the leadership election at Saturday’s annual general meeting, where members are expected to elect new office bearers.
Meanwhile, Sefara continues to remain on special leave from his role as editor of the Sunday Times while a separate independent investigation commissioned by Arena Holdings remains underway.
