ZADNA CEO Michael Molehe Wesi Termination Amid Misconduct Allegations

• ZADNA CEO Michael Molehe Wesi's contract was terminated effective June 8th.
• Wesi was suspended in October 2025 due to allegations of misconduct and governance failures.
• An investigation report found concerning policy gaps, weak oversight, and poor cost discipline within the entity.
• Significant credit card expenditures were made during the 2024/2025 financial year, including luxury vehicle rentals and expensive restaurants.

The board remains committed to the principles of good corporate governance, transparency, and accountability, and to ensuring ZADNA continues to deliver on its statutory mandate without disruption.

The .za namespace regulator, ZADNA, has undergone significant leadership changes in recent years. In August 2020, Michael Molehe Wesi took over as CEO, replacing Peter Madavhu who had been acting CEO since January 2019. However, Wesi's tenure was cut short after he was suspended in October 2025 due to allegations of misconduct and governance failures. The suspension followed a report that investigated alleged credit card transgressions against him. The investigation found no formal policy breaches but identified concerning policy gaps, weak oversight, and poor cost discipline within the entity. This led to excessive use of company resources, including significant credit card expenditures during the 2024/2025 financial year. The spend included expensive restaurants, entertainment, alcohol, overseas travel, and luxury vehicle rentals.

ZADNA's leadership change has sparked concerns about governance and regulatory implications. As an entity of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, ZADNA is subject to strict corporate governance requirements. The termination of Wesi's contract follows a disciplinary process, which was conducted in accordance with applicable governance requirements. Advocate Lerato Seema has been appointed as acting CEO, ensuring continuity of operations while a permanent CEO is appointed. This development highlights the importance of good corporate governance, transparency, and accountability in public entities like ZADNA.

The sudden departure of Wesi raises questions about the use of company credit cards and adherence to corporate policies. The investigation report highlighted significant policy gaps and weak oversight, which led to excessive spending on luxury items. This incident serves as a reminder for public entities to prioritize good governance and regulatory compliance. Lawyers and compliance officers should take note of this development, particularly in relation to the use of company resources and adherence to corporate policies.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential governance and regulatory implications of the ZADNA CEO's termination, particularly in relation to the use of company credit cards and adherence to corporate policies.

Source: Original reporting via ITWeb