Mpho Mofikoe, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), was suspended on August 4, 2025. The suspension came after she disclosed alleged fraud and corruption within the organisation. Specifically, Mofikoe exposed a scandal involving about R30 million allegedly spent on board members and around R60 million in fraudulent claims. She also reportedly found at least R90 million had been spent recklessly.
Despite her exposing these irregularities and demanding accountability, instead of being commended, she received a suspension letter. The disclosures she made led to the Fundudzi forensic investigation, which looked into obscure royalties and dubious boardroom transactions. However, the SAMRO board reportedly turned against her, culminating in her suspension.
SAMRO stated that the suspension was a standard procedural step to allow an internal investigation into allegations of misconduct and denied that it was retaliatory. They emphasized that the precautionary suspension is not a finding of wrongdoing but a measure to allow proper disciplinary procedures to take place.
Many see her suspension as retaliation for whistleblowing, and the suspension has drawn criticism from various quarters, including political groups condemning it as unjust. Mofikoe herself feared for her safety following these events. SAMRO continues with forensic and criminal investigations related to the issues she raised while the suspension remains in effect.
