A 2020 letter written by former Downtown Music Hub (DTMH) board chairperson Rudolph Mamabolo has exposed allegations of corruption, nepotism, and maladministration at the state-owned entity. The letter, addressed to Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) official Zwelakhe Mbiba, implicates former Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Acting Director-General Cynthia Khumalo, and other officials in misconduct.
Irregular CEO Appointment
Mamabolo claimed that the CEO recruitment process in 2019 was compromised when board member Dr. Ezra Ndwandwe allegedly stated that then-Minister Mthethwa had a preferred candidate—later revealed to be Mpume Mabuza, former CEO of uShaka Marine. Despite concerns, Mabuza was appointed.
At an introductory meeting, Mamabolo discovered that Mabuza and DSAC Deputy Director-General Khumalo had previously worked together at uShaka Marine, a conflict of interest that was not disclosed during interviews.
Unauthorized Salary Package
Mamabolo further alleged that Ndwandwe unilaterally drafted Mabuza’s employment contract, approving a R1.3 million salary plus a 10% fundraising bonus—without board approval. A legal opinion later confirmed that Ndwandwe had no authority to finalize such terms.
Nepotism in Hiring Practices
Mabuza was also accused of hiring senior staff—including a financial manager and marketing manager—without following proper procedures. Mamabolo reported these irregularities to DSAC but claimed he was ignored, receiving death threats instead.
Whistleblowers Forced Out
Advocate Lefelane Shaku, another former board member, resigned over the R1.3 million salary scandal, calling it “unregulated and irregular.” Mamabolo was removed as chairperson in 2020, while other whistleblowers allege they were sidelined.
DTMH and DSAC Silent
Despite inquiries, neither DSAC nor Mthethwa responded to the allegations. DTMH promised a response by 30 April 2025.
This scandal follows previous reports of mismanagement at DTMH, with sources claiming the entity was exploited as a “cash cow” by former executives and the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA).
The allegations raise serious concerns about governance failures in South Africa’s arts and culture sector, with calls for accountability growing louder.
