Radio host Sbusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope has denied any benefit from Ekurhuleni Municipality grants after his name surfaced at the Madlanga Commission, describing the allegations as “false and defamatory”.
Leope rejected claims that he received improper advantage from over R100 million in Grants-in-Aid from the City of Ekurhuleni, insisting he did not gain from any wrongdoing. He also confirmed that he has reserved his legal rights while committing to cooperate with any lawful investigation.
The statements come after suspended Ekurhuleni legal head Advocate Kemi Behari testified that political interference had disrupted a disciplinary case against former chief operations officer Lesiba Mojapelo. Behari alleged that businessman Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza had lobbied for the case to be dismissed.
Behari told the commission that the Mojapelo case was the only disciplinary matter he personally handled due to its seriousness and financial implications, which involved more than R100 million in Grants-in-Aid funding. According to him, evidence pointed to both DJ Sbu and TK Nciza as beneficiaries of a scheme connected to Mojapelo’s conduct.
“I said to my HOD at the time, the only people we can call now is TK Nciza and Sbu Leope, because they’re the ones who the evidence is pointing to as having benefited from this entire thing,” Behari testified.
Instead of allowing the disciplinary process to continue, Behari said he was pulled aside and told the matter had been settled.
“My HOD pulls me out and says, ‘No, we settled the matter,’” he said. “Those are the things I’m now facing a backlash for.”
In response, DJ Sbu rejected all allegations. “These allegations, which attempt to implicate myself and businessman Thembinkosi TK Nciza, are entirely false, defamatory, and without any factual basis,” he said.
“I categorically deny any involvement in wrongdoing, misconduct, or unethical activity of any kind,” he added, clarifying that he never participated in any illegal activity.
DJ Sbu also warned that he would take legal action if the claims continued to damage his reputation. “I reserve all my legal rights and remedies in relation to these defamatory statements and will not hesitate to pursue appropriate action should these false claims continue to damage my reputation and personal brand,” he said.
He expressed confidence in due process and urged the public and media to verify facts before reporting. “I remain confident that due process, truth, and transparency will ultimately prevail,” he said. “I urge the public, media, and stakeholders to exercise caution, verify facts, and avoid amplifying unverified claims that serve only to mislead and harm innocent parties.”
DJ Sbu concluded by highlighting his ongoing professional commitments. “My focus remains on serving my audience, building ethical businesses, creating employment, and contributing meaningfully to the development of our society,” he said.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star
Related Topics: