Mpho Mofikoe, chief operating officer at the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), has been suspended following her reported disclosure of R90 million in alleged fraud and irregular spending.
SAMRO suspends Mpho Mofikoe after explosive fraud claims
According to Sunday World, Mofikoe uncovered about R30 million that was allegedly spent on board members and a further R60 million in suspected fraudulent claims.
Insiders claim her disclosures triggered a full-scale forensic investigation by auditing firm Fundudzi.
Mofikoe’s findings reportedly set off a detailed probe into questionable royalty payments and suspicious boardroom dealings.
The Fundudzi report, which was first seen by Sunday World, states that R61,985,176.71 was paid to 61 publishers, authors, composers, and artists between 2020 and 2022. However, the legitimacy of many of these payments is under scrutiny.
Rather than being supported, sources claim that Mofikoe was met with resistance.
Her only crime was telling the truth. She rocked the boat, and now she’s being thrown overboard,” a source told the publication.
Tensions rise after explosive board meeting
The situation reportedly escalated during an extraordinary general meeting held on 10 July 2025. During the session, three board members were at risk of being dismissed. Mofikoe was allegedly instructed to name those implicated. After she complied, insiders say the backlash began.
“She demanded accountability. She wanted all the bad apples out,” said a source.
“But the CEO urged her to forgive and move on. Mpho refused, saying that would be obstruction of justice.”
Mofikoe was removed from the investigation on 17 July and ordered to hand over all evidence, under threat of disciplinary action.
SAMRO confirms suspension, calls it ‘precautionary’
In a public statement, SAMRO confirmed the suspension of Mpho Mofikoe, stating:
“The Southern African Music Rights Organisation confirms that its Chief Operating Officer, Ms Mpho Mofikoe, has been placed on precautionary suspension, effective August 4, 2025.”
The organisation explained that this was a standard internal process, not an admission of wrongdoing.
“This is a standard procedural step to allow the organisation to conduct a thorough internal investigation into allegations of misconduct,” the statement read.
SAMRO further stated that it would not comment further until the investigation concludes and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and good governance.
SAMRO is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to music creators such as composers, songwriters, and publishers. These royalties are payments artists receive when their music is played publicly, such as on radio, TV, or in restaurants.
Accusations of fraud and misconduct within such an organisation could affect thousands of artists who rely on these payments to earn a living.