RiSA appoints Lesley Mofokeng as SAMAs spokesperson

Mofokeng is a former entertainment journalist and editor who has worked for the Sunday Times, City Press and Sowetan newspapers. He has also published a number of South African best-selling biographies including Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung’s Dominoes: Unbreakable Spirit and Khanyi Mbau’s Bitch, Please! I'm Khanyi Mbau.

The newly appointed spokesperson has served as a judge for the SAMAs for a number of years and brings a good understanding of the industry and the processes involved, RiSA said.

"It is an incredible honour for the SAMAs to entrust me with this responsibility," Mofokeng said. "I have long been passionate about the local entertainment industry, especially music, and I look forward to working with the teams behind SAMA26 to make it a success."

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Mofokeng to the team in this capacity. I have no doubt that he will do us proud and we wish him all the best."

RiSa recently announced that the 2020 SAMAs would be held virtually due to the global COVID-19 outbreak. This year the annual music event will run under theme For Tha Kultcha, and will be divided into four 30-minute episodes and a 45-minute grand finale between 3 and 7 August.

The awards show will be streamed via My Muze and broadcast on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) from 9.30pm CAT.

Last week, the SAMAs announced the nominees for public voting in the Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories ahead of the awards show. Interested voters can view the full list of nominees and their allocated codes here.