Chaos Erupts After Agitated SAMRO Members Storm In During a Press Briefing

• A group of disgruntled Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) members interrupted a press briefing
• Among them was prominent businessman Owen Ndlovu and singer Mercy Pakela, who accused SAMRO of spreading misinformation
• The CEO assured the media that the organisation is not 'imploding' and that they are dealing with matters raised by the members

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) held a press briefing this week to dispel rumours which have been circulating in the media.

However, agitated SAMRO members were not having it, so they stormed the briefing, accusing the organisation of spreading misinformation. Drama at the organisation never ceases, as some members were previously accused of fraud.

SAMRO briefing disrupted by angry members

At the briefing, which took place at the Garden Court Hotel in Milpark on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, a few members bypassed security to interrupt the briefing.

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According to TshisaLIVE, the members accused SAMRO of spreading misinformation and of conveniently excluding them from the proceedings. The group included prominent businessman Owen Ndlovu, singer Mercy Pakela, Tshepo Mashiane, Mfanafuthi Nico Dumakude, and Tebogo Sithathu.

In a YouTube video shared by the news publication, an agitated Owen Ndlovu questioned the absence of some members if the meeting was to address their concerns.

“It's all about us. We are shareholders here. We are not invited to the meeting. Some board members are not here. The chairperson cannot run the show on his own. We cannot allow this press conference to go on without us. They are lying to you. They are saying 82% voted,” he remarked.

However, SAMRO CEO, Anabell Lebethe, assured the media that everything was being taken care of and that the organisation is not falling apart.

She explained that the members arrived before the briefing started and told them that their matters would be heard after the briefing. They informed them that the purpose of the meeting was to "correct the narrative" rather than just fixing their concerns. Lebethe also stated that all was well with the business's operations.

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“The organisation is not imploding. We are still licensing music users, we're still distributing money. That is our core business. We're still managing the copyright assigned to us, and we'll continue to do that. We are working in the best interest of our members. It’s our responsibility and obligation."

Reacting to this, a YouTuber named @khayandlovu7892 advised SAMRO to re-examine its operations to keep up with today's demands.

"SAMRO needs to adjust its institutional operations to meet today's demands. They need to decentralise their system and ensure real-time tracking and distribution of funds, the same way some distribution platforms like SOLDistro operate."

Watch the video here.

SAMRO on COO's allegations of fraud

In a previous report from Briefly News, SAMRO allegedly suspended its Chief Operating Officer, Mpho Mofikoe, after she exposed the organisation's involvement in fraudulent activity.

SAMRO responded on 8 August 2025, denying the claims and sharing reasons for Mofikoe's suspension. The organisation also confirmed other changes that were made at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on Thursday, 10 July 2025.

Source: Briefly News