Sonny Serite, a digital creator, entrepreneur and Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) Brand Ambassador has come forward to refute allegations of corruption made against him by Setlhomo Raymond Tshwanelang. In a detailed response, Serite dismantled the claims point by point, accusing Tshwanelang of spreading false and misleading information with the intent to tarnish his reputation. Below, we explore Serite’s rebuttal to the allegations and his clarifications on key points.
1. Alleged CEDA Payments for Marketing Personal Businesses
Tshwanelang accused Serite of using his PR contract with CEDA to promote his own businesses, including renting vehicles from Safari Compass, a company he owns. Serite categorically denied this, stating:
• Safari Compass never provided vehicle rentals to CEDA. The company is indeed a CEDA client, having secured a loan, but has never received business directly from CEDA.
• Transparency in ownership: Serite noted that he has always disclosed his relationship with Safari Compass and its funding sources. Claims of unethical self-promotion or misuse of taxpayer money are baseless.
2. Loans and Wealth Accumulation
Tshwanelang alleged that Serite registered multiple multi-million pula companies in a short period, all allegedly funded by CEDA. Serite responded with clarity:
• One CEDA-funded business: He confirmed that only one company under his ownership, Elephant Paw (Pty) Ltd trading as Safari Compass, received a loan from CEDA. The loan was applied for in 2021 and approved in 2024.
• No outstanding loans: Contrary to claims of receiving multiple loans before repaying previous ones, Serite stated that he has no additional loans with CEDA.
3. Ownership of RocoMamas Francistown Franchise
One of the more striking allegations was that Serite used CEDA funds to promote RocoMamas Francistown, a franchise he allegedly owned. Serite debunked this by explaining:
• No ownership: Serite clarified that he does not own shares in Matish Holdings (Pty) Ltd, the company that operates the RocoMamas Francistown franchise.
• Inactive business: A company registered under his name, Roco-Mamas Toro (Pty) Ltd, has never traded or applied for CEDA funding, remaining dormant since its registration.
4. Farm Development and CEDA Involvement
Tshwanelang claimed that Serite’s farm, described as lavish and well-structured, was funded by CEDA. Serite refuted this allegation outright:
• Privately funded farm: Serite explained that the 5-hectare farm in Shashe Mooke was purchased in 2017, three years before he had any ties to CEDA. The farm was acquired from a private seller and developed using personal and family income. It is registered in his wife’s name and has no connection to CEDA funding.
5. Marketing Contracts and Payments
Questions were raised about Serite’s marketing services, specifically a P148,200 payment for promoting LEA on Facebook over two months. Tshwanelang insinuated nepotism and unjustified compensation.
• Justified services: Serite countered that all payments for his marketing work were legally contracted and appropriately invoiced. The marketing efforts for LEA were measurable, impactful, and approved by relevant authorities.
• No undue influence: He denied leveraging connections for personal gain, emphasizing that all appointments were merit-based.
6. Ethical Conduct and Allegations of Media Manipulation
Tshwanelang accused Serite of leveraging his media connections to suppress corruption investigations and climb the political ladder. Serite dismissed these claims, asserting his commitment to transparency and ethical business practices.
• No dossier cover-up: He denied receiving or suppressing any corruption dossiers concerning CEDA or its officials.
• False narratives: Serite emphasized that the allegations were part of a targeted smear campaign aimed at discrediting his professional achievements.
Conclusion: Baseless Accusations?
While the claims against him painted a picture of cronyism and corruption, Serite’s rebuttals suggest that many of the accusations lack evidence and factual accuracy. As the matter unfolds, the need for clarity, due diligence, and independent investigation into these allegations becomes more evident.
