Mpho Mofikoe, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro), was suspended earlier this week amid allegations that she revealed a large-scale fraud.
Sources say Mofikoe uncovered a troubling R30 million spent on board members and a further R60 million in suspected fraudulent claims. Rather than being praised for her honesty, she received a suspension notice.
A source close to the situation claimed Mofikoe’s only “crime” was telling the truth and challenging corruption within the organisation. Her revelations reportedly prompted the Fundudzi forensic investigation, which looked into suspicious royalties and questionable transactions at Samro.
According to a report obtained by Sunday World, between 2020 and 2022, Samro paid out nearly R62 million to 61 publishers, authors, composers, and artists. However, instead of addressing the issues she raised, the organisation’s board allegedly turned against her and tried to silence her.
One insider said Mofikoe demanded accountability and wanted to remove corrupt individuals from the organisation. The CEO reportedly urged her to forgive and move on, but she refused, viewing it as obstructing justice.
The situation reached a boiling point during an extraordinary general meeting on July 10, where three board members faced possible dismissal. Mofikoe was allegedly instructed to identify those involved in misconduct, but she is now facing serious repercussions for following orders.
Following her refusal to back down, the CEO reportedly ordered her to hand over all evidence or face insubordination charges. Now, she finds herself as the target of the organisation’s internal conflict.
Samro has confirmed her suspension, stating it is a standard procedure to allow for a full internal investigation. The organisation emphasised that the suspension is precautionary and does not imply any wrongdoing by Mofikoe.
At the time of writing, Mofikoe was unavailable for comment. The organisation assured stakeholders that it remains committed to good governance and transparency.