Film official in fraud probe
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THE National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is investigating a case of fraud that could run into hundreds of thousands of rands, even millions, following the hasty resignation of one of their employees.
NFVF spokesman Peter Kwele confirmed an investigation was under way.
It was initiated following the sudden resignation of former training manager Pretty Mthiyane, then on suspension, after the agency started probing her.
According to a whistle blower who brought the story to the attention of Sunday World, the NFVF was accused of sweeping the matter under the rug following Mthiyane s resignation.
I think they cut a deal with her to leave and be free from prosecution,” said the whistle blower. But I want the public to know about this issue because it robbed a lot of young people of opportunities to realise their dreams.”
It is understood that Mthiyane s woes started late last year.
This was after R250 000 in bursary money meant for Teddy Mattera was paid into the account of a Halick Moosa.
Mattera confirmed he had not received the money from his bursary award.
I cannot speak to you about this matter, he said. Contact the foundation because I submitted my complaint to them.”
As a result of the complaint, the NFVF, an agency of the department of arts and culture, had their report about bursaries to the Parliamentary portfolio on arts and culture kicked out because Moosa s name appeared on the documents instead of Mattera s.
Moosa could not be reached for comment, as he neither answered his cellphone nor responded to text messages.
Another official from the agency, close to the investigations but asked not to be named, said Mthiyane (37) allegedly used an events and promotions company owned by her domestic helper to siphon money meant for bursary applicants for her personal enrichment.
When approached for comment,
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THE National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) has been made aware of certain internal activities which we are in the process of investigating the nature and extent thereof. While this process is in progress, we are not in a position to provide you with any further information on the questions you raised.
Once the investigation process is complete, we will take the necessary action and provide further details accordingly. It has, however, come to our attention that there may be documents currently circulating in the public domain about the NFVF, some of its staff members, as well as members of the public.
If this is indeed the case, it would be of serious concern to us and certainly not responsible reporting for any media to base their reporting on such unverified statements. Mthiyane referred all questions to her lawyer.
Victor Nkhwashu confirmed his client s resignation, but denied it was because of the allegations against her. He said she did so to to pursue other interests.
According to documents seen by Sunday World, Nelisiwe Ngema is the owner of Accolade Events and Promotions, the company at the centre of the allegations.
The documents also revealed that Ngema and Mthiyane had been using the same residential address for the past two years.
Ngema referred all questions to her legal representative, who also happened to be Nkhwashu.
The attorney had not responded to enquiries on behalf of Ngema at the time of going to print.
The official further alleged that Mthiyane s bank account and that of the company became part of the investigations.
There, it was found that there were suspicious transactions between both accounts.
We have seen that there have been a number of transactions in which money is flowing from the Accolade account and into the personal account of Mrs Mthiyane. These amounts range from R5 000 to R35 000.
We have also seen that Mrs Mthiyane paid Halick Moosa a range of small amounts from time to time.
For someone who earned a take-home of just over R22 000, her lifestyle was very expensive,” said the official.
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THE Department of Arts and Culture is aware of the investigation into the conduct of a staff member at the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). The staff member was suspended and an investigation initiated that has not been concluded. The staff member has subsequently resigned. The NFVF will take any necessary actions once the investigation is completed.
actress Slindile Nodangala believes the demands for better salaries from the bosses of the erstwhile most popular soapie
was a legitimate fight for actors rights.
In 2013, the SABC and the soapie s creator Mfundi Vundla of MMSV Productions were at loggerheads with 16 members of the cast. This was over demands for better salaries and the royalties emanating from rebroadcasts and syndication fees of the 21-year-old show.
Look, I ve moved on. I m in a new space and environment all together, and have quite a busy schedule,” she said.
As we speak, I m rehearsing for two new telenovelas and a drama series.
We start shooting in February, but it s not clear when we ll be on set for the drama.”
Nodangala (43) has found a new home at Mzansi Magic after playing a hospital matron in the recently ended Sesotho gangster drama series
But she is famed for being the feisty shebeen queen Mam Ruby on
. was challenging. I had to ditch the Mam Ruby tag. Every where I go I m still associated with her, it s been difficult trying to create a new identity for people to see me differently.
I enjoy demanding roles and always strive to bring in the emotional intensity required in every character I play, especially during situations in which I m obliged to learn a new language. Bridging the divide has not been easy, though.”
Nodangala said when cast for a role she did not feel she turned it down because it was more about credibility than money for her.
That s the very reason for our fight for better pay. It s unlike 40 years ago, the industry has evolved, it has changed drastically. I think it s a lack of respect, we are mothers, we are fathers, we need to take care of our families.
We were not looking at earning millions, but a decent pay was all we fought for. But I don t bear any grudges or hate those who went back to , my stand is that it was a just fight.”
Nodangala has also featured on other shows on Mzansi Magic, including the movies
and