By Celani Sikhakhane
- Norma Mbatha of the Izwi Labantu Forum filed a criminal complaint on 11 June, accusing SAFDA leaders of fraud and money laundering.
- SAFDA has appointed Anwhar Madhanpall and Sfiso Mnguni as joint interim chief executives, while Dr Madlala remains chairperson.
Dr Siyabonga Madlala, the Executive Chairperson of the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA), has given up his role as chief executive. The move comes weeks after a criminal complaint accused him and other SAFDA leaders of large scale fraud.
Norma Mbatha, chairperson of the Izwi Labantu Forum, filed a criminal affidavit at the Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria on 11 June. It accuses Madlala and other senior figures of turning the agricultural sector into what it calls a “slush fund.”
The affidavit alleges SAFDA faces a deficit of more than R107-million, and that R220-million meant to support farmers was misused. It also accuses Madlala of using organisation funds to buy luxury properties and vehicles, and of paying school fees for government officials.
SAFDA has rejected the allegations.
In a statement, the organisation said it has no relationship with the Izwi Labantu Forum and called it “a certain obscure outfit.” SAFDA said it has not seen the affidavit and is seeking legal advice.
On Thursday, SAFDA announced that its Central Executive Committee had agreed to split the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer roles, which were combined into one position in 2017. Madlala sponsored the resolution himself.
Anwhar Madhanpall and Sfiso Mnguni have been appointed joint interim chief executives, and will run the organisation’s administration until a permanent CEO is appointed. Madlala remains Chairperson.
SAFDA’s statement announcing the change did not mention the fraud allegations against Madlala.
It described the decision as a move to “foster good governance” and “uphold accountability.”
The Central Executive Committee also agreed that SAFDA should engage with the Izwi Labantu Forum to “resolve differences.”
Pictured above: SAFDA Chairperson Dr Siyabonga Madlala, who has given up the role of chief executive amid fraud allegations against him.
Image source: SAFDA
