The MK Party said it notes with serious concern reports that the Head of Content at the SABC, Lala Tuku, tabled a report and sent emails raising governance failures and irregularities shortly before her suspension at the public broadcaster.

“If accurate, these developments raise serious questions regarding the timing of her suspension and whether it may be linked to her internal concerns relating to the Pimville production and alleged irregular payments authorised, despite apparent non-deliverables.

The MK Party is particularly concerned that these developments arise amid allegations of non-payment affecting cast members, crew, and writers involved in the production.

“Internal sources indicate that Ms Tuku was vocal in meetings in defence of workers affected by these issues. The MK Party believes that this matter cannot be treated as a routine internal labour dispute, given the scale of public funds involved and the potential impact on workers within the creative sector. We further note reports circulating on social media suggesting that Ms Tuku may be receiving threats linked to these developments,” said a statement issued by the newly appointed MK Party Spokesperson, Sifiso Mahlangu.

The party said that if the allegations are true, this is deeply concerning, and the MK Party calls on the relevant authorities to ensure that her safety and protection are treated with the seriousness they deserve.

“The MK Party calls on the SABC’s Board and Executive Management to provide full transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding Ms Tuku’s suspension. The public has a right to know whether due processes were followed and whether protected disclosures or whistleblowing activities played any role in these events.

“The MK Party also demands that the presentation reportedly tabled by Ms Tuku, outlining reasons why she should not be suspended, be made public without delay. This is necessary to ensure accountability, enable proper oversight, and allow Parliament to fully assess the governance failures that may have occurred,” said Mahlangu.

Mahlangu further said:

 “The SABC must also account for the decision-making process that led to the appointment of Bakwena Productions for the Pimville production, despite the project reportedly being paused in June 2024 following media reports of the SABC’s financial constraints.

“We also call for clarity on what oversight mechanisms were in place to protect workers and ensure compliance with contractual obligations, amid widespread reports of non-payment linked to the production. It is our understanding that the Pimville file had already been referred for audit prior to the broadcast on 9 February 2026. If the file was already under audit for alleged irregular expenditure involving the producer, the MK Party demands answers as to why the show was allowed to continue.”

The MK Party said the SABC must disclose who authorised the invoices and approved the payments in question.

“We call on the nation’s public broadcaster to make the final forensic audit report public without delay. Additionally, the MK Party demands accountability for any producers found to have embezzled state-owned funds. We are informed that the producer allegedly claimed to enjoy protection from senior SABC executives, creating an environment in which accountability measures could allegedly not be enforced by officials such as Ms Tuku,” he said.

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