On 19 November 2023, a report published in The Daily Maverick and News 24, written by Njabulo Ngidi for AmaBhungane and AmaBhungune's Managing Partner Sam Sole labelled Siyaya TV as questionable. The reports state that in 2012, Siyaya Free to Air TV, a start-up then, partnered with Bakgatla BaKgafela (BBK) which owns stakes in mines, property, and tourism ventured into a deal that was to benefit the North West community and create local jobs and “change the face of broadcasting”.  However, it turned the traditional council, into the TV station’s personal ATM. The report also states that Bakgatla Ba Kgafela Strategic Investment Company (BBKSIC), advanced Siyaya TV with R99,054,271.01 without any clear repayment dates or any mandate.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

 Siyaya TV CEO Aubrey Tau categorically states the reports are unfounded and defamatory. “Both these platforms, The Daily Maverick and News 24 live by the South African Press Code which in Sub Section 1.2 stipulates that the media shall “present news in context and in a balanced manner, without any intentional or negligent departure from the facts whether by distortion, exaggeration or misrepresentation, material omissions or summarisation”. In the news story, Siyaya TV is described as “Taken Advantage of Bakgatla Ba Kgafela.” Which could not be far from the truth,” Tau states. “AmaBhungane and Media24 are in violation of Section 10 of The Code, which stipulates that “Headlines, shall not mislead the public and the headline stating that “Siyaya took Advantage of Bakgatla” is misleading and not only a departure from the truth but is also misleading in the extreme.” Tau goes on to say that Siyaya TV provided the publications with a comprehensive response to what was asked prior to the article being published. “However, we note that they omitted to include various aspects of our response and sought to insinuate some wrongdoing on Siyaya TV. The journalist was given the court application, the response, and the judgment.” Tau adds that The Siyaya TV founders are pragmatic, logical, risk-averse, and commercially savvy individuals. “Siyaya is not a non-profit media organisation and accordingly delivers return on investments to its shareholders and will continue to do so including reaching greater frontiers with its record-breaking ratings. The BBKSIC board and the CEO took the decision to invest and acquire shares in Siyaya TV knowing this,” he adds.

THE  CONTINUOUS UNSCRUPULOUS BLACK BUSINESS PORTRAYAL

Tau also states that both articles were written in bad taste with malicious intent to portray Siyaya TV which has created employment for over 150 people in a negative light. “The articles are in a bad taste and portray us as unscrupulous black business people. Siyaya TV is a great return on investment,” he adds. “Neither party to the agreement has invoked any breach of contract provisions and/or sought to litigate against the other due to non-fulfilment of the obligations. In essence, Siyaya has not taken advantage of Bakgatla nor  have they used Bakgatla as an ATM. We have given numerous opportunities to BBKSIC to exit their investment and they chose to stay.” With that said, Tau adds that Siyaya will continue to disrupt the television and media space and does not get involved in community disputes.  “Community members that are aggrieved ought to exercise their rights accordingly and in line with the Traditional Council stipulations.”