Regarding My Former Role at Sheer Music Publishing and as a Former Director on the Board of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO)
All Rights Reserved
This statement is issued in response to recent allegations and media coverage, particularly relating to the Fundudzi Forensic Report and claims made in the Daily Maverick. I believe it is important to correct several grave inaccuracies, set the record straight, and protect the reputations of myself and the organisations I have been part of.
- I Was Not Accused of Any Wrongdoing
While my name appears in the Fundudzi Forensic Report, I was never accused of fraud or misconduct. There is no finding in the report that implicates me in any unlawful activity. - Flawed Investigative Assumptions
It is concerning that the Fundudzi report — and subsequent media commentary—fail to establish whether those named actually:
a. Intended to defraud SAMRO, or
b. Gained any personal financial benefit.
These are essential distinctions that were, in my view, not adequately investigated. - Misleading Media Reporting
The implications made in the Daily Maverick article are unfounded, defamatory and irresponsible. I strongly and unequivocally deny any suggestion of wrongdoing. - A Strong Track Record of Promoting Transparency
As a SAMRO Board Member from 2018 to 2022, I actively supported and drove for greater transparency. This included the release of the “Undocumented Works” (UNDOC) list to members—an initiative in line with practices adopted by other Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) internationally. - Early Fraud Detection Was a Success of Governance
When SAMRO’s executive leadership discovered irregularities, they promptly reported them to the Audit & Risk Committee and the full Board. This shows that the system of checks and balances within SAMRO was functioning as it should—detecting fraud before any major losses occurred. - The Forensic Investigation Was a Board Decision
The decision to commission the Fundudzi investigation was made by the Board, which I served on at the time, in an effort to strengthen internal controls and prevent future fraudulent claims. The report’s later referral to the Hawks—after my tenure—further reinforces that good governance was in place. - I Cooperated Fully with the Investigation
I made myself fully available to the forensic investigators and answered all questions truthfully. I welcomed the opportunity to support a thorough and fair process. - Sheer Music Publishing and I Were Also Victims
At the time, I was employed at Sheer Music Publishing, which—along with SAMRO—was a victim of the same fraud. Neither the company nor I benefitted in any way from the wrongdoing that occurred. - No Criminal Charges or Investigations Against Me
I have never been questioned or charged by the Hawks or any other authority because I was not involved in any fraud. - I Did Not Apply for Amnesty
I had no need to seek amnesty from prosecution. Furthermore, to my knowledge, SAMRO’s Chairperson does not have the authority to grant such amnesty. - No Visa Issues
I have never been denied a visa to the United States or to any other country.
In Closing
I remain proud of my service on the SAMRO Board and my ongoing contributions to the music industry. I am committed to integrity, transparency, and the highest professional standards. Any suggestion to the contrary is false, damaging, defamatory and rejected in the strongest possible terms.
David Alexander
Former SAMRO Board Member | Music Industry Professional