DISGRUNTLED Jozi FM’s board chairperson Rapitse Montsho, will appear at the Orlando Magistrate Court, today.
This follows his arrest last night.
Montsho, has failed to account to R24m grant from the National Lottery Commission that were paid in two tranches: R12-million in August 2013 and another R12-million in April 2014.
The grants were paid into the Soweto Media Resources Centre (SMRC), a non-profit company account, operating as radio Jozi FM.
It was also brought to our attention another R10.8-million was paid in October 2015, bringing the total amount paid to R34.8-million.
According the CEO at the station Mpho Mhlongo, the grants were intended for a media resource centre and a site that had been identified within the Jabulani Precinct.
But all the funds disappeared under the watchful-eye of Montsho, and other board members, who worked in cahoots to embezzle the funds.
Montsho, who was appointed a director of SMRC in 2012 and chairperson two years later, said all funding received from NLC had been properly accounted for.
“We will provide everything, where the money went, what it did, and what the agreement was,” he said.
He also failed to explain details of the Legacy project, including links to videos that were produced and how the lottery money was spent.
“We’ll wait for the SIU and will give them all our reports on the money, all the equipment that was bought, all the documentaries that we’ve produced, everything,” he said. “You’ve got to travel, you’ve got to digitise, and you’ve got to have logistics. We did it in three years,” he was quoted.
Mhlongo and head of programmes Tshepo Makgopa alluded during media briefing that the board informed them in 2013 that the lottery funding was for the construction of a multimedia centre in Soweto.
Mhlongo said he was one of three signatories on an account that was opened specifically for the lottery funds. He confirmed that money was withdrawn from the account without his knowledge, and he does not know how that money was spent.
According to Mhlongo, the station only has records of the first R12-million tranche and was left with a tax debt owing on that amount.
He said records from the account opened for the NLC funds shows “various amounts” were paid to different service providers, including architects.
“In my opinion, the money is no longer there; it’s been used,” Mhlongo was quoted.
It was confirmed two board members had resigned, citing loss of confidence in the board’s chair.
Mhlongo pointed out painfully that: “We are dealing with a man who knows it all; he is in control, has access to the highest office at Luthuli house, and claims to be a veteran MK soldier. He’s been there, a top rank in the ANC, and he is untouchable. From time to time, he reminds us that he’s a soldier.”
A case was opened at the Orlando Police station, and the SIU was informed hence the investigation thereof.
Montsho was remanded and case postponed to November 28.
