Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance can reveal that the Soweto Media Resources Centre, trading as Jozi FM, received not one but two tranches of Lotto funding totalling over R35 million between 2013 and 2016. But media reports that Board Chairperson Rapiste Montsho misappropriated R24 million of grant money paid out in the 2013-14 funding window omitted the fact that in the 2015-16 funding window, Jozi FM (under his watch) received a second tranche totalling R11,219,440.
NLC Commissioner, Ms Jodi Scholtz, confirmed to the DA that files relating to the grants have been handed over to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) which is investigating up to R2 billion of dodgy grants facilitated by corrupt NLC insiders including board members, staff, accounting and law firms.
Jozi FM, founded in 1995 in Dube, Soweto, has established itself as the voice of Soweto through thick and thin and has survived many financial challenges. The Lotto grant was meant to fund a new media centre adjoining the Soweto Theatre complex in Jabulani but the money appears to have vanished without trace.
The DA can also reveal that since Jozi FM station management went public with its allegations, two board members have resigned, citing loss of confidence in the board chair and distancing themselves from the alleged financial transgressions.
Station management have assured the DA that the station is financially solvent and never depended on the Lotto grant money to sustain its operations.
If proved to be true, the Jozi FM grants scandal is yet another example of how greedy individuals and corrupt syndicates have syphoned off funds for their personal benefit at the expense of needy communities and good cause.
The people of Soweto deserve a radio station servicing its diverse communities untainted by allegations of corruption and embezzlement. The DA calls on the SIU to finalise its investigation without delay and if criminal activities have occurred, to press charges against the offending individuals without delay.
Regards
Toby Chance MP
DA Spokesperson on Trade, Industry & Competition