SANEF concludes independent inquiry into former chairperson, Makhudu Sefara

02 July 2026

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has concluded an independent legal investigation into allegations involving its former chairperson, Makhudu Sefara.

The investigation was commissioned after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) issued a media statement that linked Sefara to the alleged misappropriation of funds provided by the National Lotteries.

Given the seriousness of the allegations and SANEF’s commitment to accountability and ethical leadership, the organisation instructed independent legal counsel to determine whether Sefara had acted in contravention of SANEF’s governing documents – its Constitution and/or Code of Conduct – or values.

All along it has been made clear in the legal investigation that SANEF respected the SIU Investigation and did not intend to duplicate or reconsider the SIU Investigation.

After considering all available evidence – including direct communication from the SIU to Sefara’s lawyers – the investigation found that Sefara has not breached SANEF’s current constitution and Code of Conduct.

This was after the acting head of the SIU, Leonard Lekgetho, also confirmed to Sefara’s lawyers – in a letter dated 21 May 2026 – that neither Sefara nor Unscripted Communication were ever the subject of the SIU investigation, and no findings were made against either.

The SIU’s official correspondence noted that: “Unscripted Communication was never a subject of the SIU investigation and as such there are no findings against your client (Sefara), nor his company.

“The SIU does not have any claim against Unscripted Communication, nor did it require any assistance from Unscripted Communication to conclude its investigation,” wrote Lekgetho.

Following the investigation, SANEF will be embarking on a further review of its processes and policies to ensure it can continue its important work that all who associate with it defend and promote media freedom and editorial and journalistic independence with honesty, integrity, and a respect for the rule of law.

On Saturday 4 July 2026, SANEF will hold its elective annual general meeting, where a new leadership will be elected. Sefara will not be resuming his position as Chairperson of SANEF nor will he stand for re-election.

ENDS//                

Note to Editors:

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.

For more information, please contact:

Tshamano Makhadi – Acting Chairperson (082) 223-062

Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708

Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415

Slindile Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367

Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022

Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984

Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334

Jude Mathurine – Eastern Cape Convenor (083) 799-1701

Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138-5564

Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695

Twitter: @SAEditorsForum

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.SANEF.org.za