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Johannesburg – In a statement released on their website, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) made the decision to remove kwaito star Arthur Mafokate from his position as non-executive director of the SAMRO board.
Arthur, who has been involved in a legal dispute after an alleged violent altercation with ex-girlfriend CiCi, has received a lot of negative attention since charges had first been laid against him in 2017.
“SAMRO strongly and unequivocally condemns any violence, and especially those perpetrated against women. This is something each member of our organization, including the board, is aware of,” the statement reads, going on to say: “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.”
According to SAMRO, the decision to remove Arthur was made during a board meeting held on 28 June. The kwaito star now has the opportunity to “make representations in response to this within five calendar days, failing which the resolution to remove him as non-executive board member is passed.”
Arthur also received negative attention on Tuesday when news surfaced that he had plans of joining the 100 Men March which saw local men standing up against violence against women and children.
Eventually withdrawing from the march, Arthur released a statement, saying his decision not to take part was due to “the opposition I have received from participation as well as threats I, and my immediate family, have received.”
He added: “I stand resolute in my support of the rights of women and children and all activities aimed at combatting gender violence and abuse. That I stand accused of having perpetrated violence against a woman does not mean I am guilty thereof.”
