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The MDDA (Media Development and Diversity Agency) is a government body that funds community and small enterprise media.
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Core Issue: CEO Shoeshoe Qhu’s appointment was deemed irregular because she lacked the required accounting and financial qualifications for the role.
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Auditor-General’s Finding (2024): The AGSA issued a non‑compliance finding for the 2023‑24 financial year, declaring the appointment irregular.
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Legal Opinion: A legal opinion from Motsoeng Bill Attorneys (dated October 2024) supported the AG’s finding, concluding that the appointment breached MDDA regulations.
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Board Division:
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Board member Mpakati emailed the board (copied to Sunday World) stating:
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No campaign exists to destabilise the agency.
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The CEO’s appointment remains “questionable and controversial” and unresolved.
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The media response sent to him was not board‑sanctioned and did not represent the MDDA’s position.
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Certain individuals are consistently concealing information from board members.
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There had been no prior board discussions on the questions raised.
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Other board members issued a joint statement (on Friday) saying:
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The matter is subject to a separate legal challenge.
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They will not engage in public commentary to avoid prejudicing judicial processes.
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Mpakati’s statements do not constitute the board’s position.
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Mpakati’s Reaffirmation: On Friday, he stood by his remarks, saying he is “not part of the lies” to protect an illegal appointment, and he stands by the legal opinion and AG’s recommendations.
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AGSA Confirmation: The AGSA confirmed the non‑compliance finding and stated that the board will work with the MDDA to ensure compliance with its recommendations.
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Minister’s Involvement: Spokesperson William Baloyi (for the minister in the presidency, under whom the MDDA falls) said the board will brief the minister on the audit outcomes after the AGSA issues its final audit opinion.
Timeline of Events
| Period / Date | Event |
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| 2023–24 financial year | The Auditor‑General’s audit covers this period, during which CEO Qhu’s appointment is reviewed. |
| 2024 | AGSA issues a non‑compliance finding, declaring the CEO’s appointment irregular due to lack of required qualifications. |
| October 2024 | Motsoeng Bill Attorneys issues a legal opinion supporting the AG’s finding and calling the appointment a breach. |
| Thursday (recent, relative to article) | Mpakati sends an email to the board (copied to Sunday World) disputing the board’s media response and accusing individuals of concealing information. |
| Friday (recent, relative to article) | Other board members issue a joint statement distancing themselves from Mpakati and citing the ongoing legal challenge. Mpakati reaffirms his position on the same day. |
| Future (pending) | After the AGSA issues its final audit opinion, the board is scheduled to brief the minister on the audit outcomes. |
