Mr. Ndlovu, is a member of SAMRO and was a service provider. He was previously engaged under a formally executed Service Level Agreement (SLA). This commercial arrangement governed ORM’s service delivery to SAMRO and outlined specific deliverables, timelines, and terms of engagement. Throughout the duration of the agreement, both parties complied with their respective obligations. All deliverables were received, accepted, and duly paid for, thereby concluding the engagement without prejudice to either party.

ORM and, by extension, Mr. Ndlovu have not been prejudiced in any way. As stipulated in the agreement, SAMRO lawfully exercised its contractual right to terminate the agreement on one month’s notice, effective 31 March 2025. As such, the relationship between SAMRO and ORM has ceased to exist. 

Following the termination of the agreement, Mr. Ndlovu sought to compel SAMRO to continue the relationship, despite the contract being discharged in full. SAMRO confirms that legal matters instituted by Mr Owen Ndlovu and/or ORM are currently before the courts. The urgent interdict brought before the High Court was formally withdrawn after being struck from the roll due to lack of urgency and non-compliance with practice directives, with punitive costs awarded. A separate urgent interdict filed in the Magistrates’ Court was also removed from the roll on grounds of lack of urgency and jurisdiction, with costs granted. 

Alarmingly, Mr. Ndlovu’s erratic behavior has escalated into a pattern of intimidation and threatening behaviour directed at SAMRO staff. Mr Ndlovu’s conduct includes multiple incidents of intimidation and threatening behaviour, including the overt display of a firearm to various employees, seemingly intended to coerce SAMRO into submission. This unprovoked and hostile conduct left SAMRO with no choice but to seek a protection order against Mr. Ndlovu to safeguard its employees and maintain a secure working environment. An interim order was granted and the matter is set down for early May 2025. SAMRO remains resolute in its commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of its staff 

Regrettably, Mr. Ndlovu has also refused to vacate the previously occupied office space under a lease linked to the now-terminated SLA. This lease was contingent upon the existence of the Service Level Agreement and, as such, lapsed with the agreement’s termination. Formal eviction proceedings are underway, and a summons for eviction has been issued. 

As a non-profit organisation serving the interests of composers, authors and publishers of musical works, SAMRO is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, governance and accountability. Despite Mr. Ndlovu’s attempts to position himself as an advocate for Members’ interests, his conduct reflects the opposite. His actions appear instead to be driven by self-interest, with little regard for the potential harm and financial prejudice they may cause to the very Members he claims to advocate for. We respect the legal process and have, to date, responded to all matters raised by Mr. Ndlovu through lawful and appropriate forums. 

Given the active status of these legal matters, SAMRO will refrain from making any further substantive comment at this stage. We respect the independence of the judiciary and remain committed to cooperating fully with the relevant authorities while prioritising the protection of our Members and employees. Further updates will be shared upon the conclusion of legal proceedings or as significant procedural developments occur.

The Forensic Investigation Report Commissioned by SAMRO:

It is important to clarify that Mr. Ndlovu's complaints are entirely unrelated to the forensic investigation and the corrective measures SAMRO has implemented in response to the report's findings.

SAMRO wishes to state unequivocally that the Forensic Report remains confidential and forms part of an ongoing criminal investigation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). As previously communicated, this investigation covers the financial years 2020 to 2022 and was initiated by the SAMRO Board in its ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, ensure transparency, and protect the interests of its Members.

At this stage, SAMRO will not comment on the report's contents or engage in any public discourse that could compromise the integrity of the investigation or prejudice legal proceedings. Premature or unauthorised disclosures—particularly those made outside the appropriate legal and institutional frameworks—are irresponsible and unlawful.

SAMRO reaffirms its commitment to full cooperation with law enforcement authorities and taking decisive action against any individuals found guilty of wrongdoing. The organisation will continue to communicate with its Members and stakeholders based on verified findings and tangible outcomes. 

Since 2023, SAMRO has continually reported on the Forensic Investigation Reports, links to those statements were made available on the SAMRO website.

● https://www.samro.org.za/news/forensic-investigation-report---a-message-from-the-samro-board

● https://www.samro.org.za/news/samro-board-commissioned-forensic-report-confirms-fraud-by-certain-members

SAMRO remains steadfast in its responsibility to uphold the principles of accountability and ethical conduct in the administration of music rights. Any attempt to distort or exploit the investigative process for personal or strategic gain will not deter SAMRO from its mandate.

SAMRO remains mindful of the reputational risks posed by continued misrepresentations partnered with distortions of facts and will provide further updates if necessary.

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