SAMRO axes Arthur Mafokate

This after the board met to decide on Mafokate's fate last month. The kwaito musician is accused by his ex, singer Busisiwe Twala, of assault after Mafokate allegedly dragged her with his car following an altercation.

“In the SAMRO board meeting held on the 28 June of 2018, the board resolved that notice be given to Mr Mafokate of the decision to initiate the process to remove him from the SAMRO board as a non-executive director,” SAMRO said in a statement.

Last month, SAMRO said it would only take decisive action against Mafokate after a verdict had been reached by the court. The royalty collecting body backtracked on that decision after the Musicians Association of South Africa and the Gospel Music Association demanded that Mafokate be removed.

SAMRO said the case against Mafokate did not represent its ideals and further association with him would damage the reputation of the organisation.

“SAMRO strongly and unequivocally condemns any violence, and especially those perpetrated against women. This is something each member of our organisation, including the board, is aware of.

"Thus, it was unanimously agreed that the ongoing court case involving Mr Mafokate and Ms Busisiwe Twala has continued to attract undesirable, and quite frankly worrying publicity, which has also caused serious harm to the public perception of the organisation.”

Mafokate, who also owns the 999 Music record label, has been on a drive to clear his name. Last year, he laid a counter-charge of assault against Twala, who in June missed a court appearance that resulted in a warrant of arrest being issued against her.

Despite his efforts, Mafokate has continued to attract attention for the wrong reasons. He courted further controversy when he announced that he would be participating in the #100MenMarch against gender-based violence, which takes place today in Pretoria.

The South African government condemned Mafokate for his pledge to join the march. "Government recognises that Mr Mafokate is facing serious charges of gender-based violence and supports that the due legal processes unfold accordingly. The charges faced by Mr Mafokate and his alleged conduct are in direct conflict of the ethos of #100MenMarch and rallying call by government and its partners to create awareness on violence against women and children," it said yesterday.