Culture Craze
Dr Lindelani Mkhize speaks out amid Joyous Celebration boardroom fallout
For decades, Joyous Celebration has been more than a gospel group. It has been a soundtrack to Sunday mornings, graduations, funerals, and national moments. So when news of a governance dispute involving its founding members surfaced, it inevitably struck a nerve with fans across the country.
This week, Dr Lindelani Mkhize publicly addressed allegations of financial misconduct raised by fellow directors Pastor Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba. In a statement issued in his personal capacity as a founding member, Mkhize firmly rejected any suggestion of improper or unlawful conduct.
He described the matter as a longstanding governance disagreement that has now escalated to formal arbitration.
“Categorically rejects” allegations
According to Mkhize’s statement, many of the issues currently being reported stem from disputes that date back several years. He made it clear that he has never transacted on the company’s bank account or exercised control over payments.
He stated that payment administration was handled through the Joyous office under Pastor Hlongwane, who was the appointed bank transactor. He added that the bank audit trail reflects this.
The dispute appears to have intensified following a December 2021 meeting between the three directors. At that meeting, Hlongwane and Namba indicated their intention to exit the organisation. A formal written communication confirming that position followed in March 2022.
Mkhize said he welcomed a structured separation process, provided it was subject to independent valuation and full financial disclosure.
Questions around liabilities and payments
The statement also referenced significant liabilities, including tax obligations, which accumulated during a period when financial administration was handled internally.
Mkhize said that upon discovering these matters, he requested historical bank statements and instructed an independent accountant to review the records. He also quoted a response from Hlongwane indicating that payments were made at the office and that if there were questions about payments, they should be directed to him.
Another central point of disagreement relates to performance-related fees. Mkhize said there has been no clarification regarding the continued payment of such fees to members who have not actively participated in productions for several years.
At the heart of the dispute, he said, are governance principles. Membership, according to the statement, does not automatically entitle someone to ongoing operational payments in the absence of participation or declared distributions.
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A brand bigger than the boardroom
For many South Africans, the tension feels deeply personal. Joyous Celebration is not just a business entity. It is a cultural institution that helped shape contemporary gospel music in South Africa. Social media reactions have reflected both concern and loyalty, with fans expressing hope that the matter is resolved without damaging the legacy of the brand.
Mkhize has indicated he will not litigate governance disputes or conclude any potential buyout through the media. He maintains that all issues will be addressed through formal arbitration, where all parties will be fully accounted for in line with due process.
He reiterated his commitment to the truth and to protecting the Joyous Celebration brand and its staff.
As the process unfolds behind closed doors, many will be watching closely. Not for drama, but for clarity. For a group that has preached unity for years, the public will be hoping that whatever the outcome, the music and the ministry continue to outshine the dispute.
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Source: IOL
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