Arena Holdings has reinstated Sunday Times editor Makhudu Sefara following an independent investigation that found no evidence of misconduct.The probe, commissioned after a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) claimed funds from a National Lotteries Commission (NLC) grant were diverted to Sefara’s company, Unscripted Communication, concluded that the R550,000 disbursed was used for a media training conference.

Werksmans Attorneys, who conducted the investigation, criticized the SIU’s findings as based on an inadequate inquiry and deemed them 'manifestly false'.The SIU had alleged the funds, initially granted to Todi Media (which contracted Sefara’s company), were misused.Arena Holdings placed Sefara on special leave and commissioned the review, which examined financial records, contracts, and communications.The company reiterated its commitment to fairness and truth, emphasizing decisions must be based on factual evidence.Sefara, who was not an employee or journalist at the time, was never the subject of the SIU’s investigation into the NLC funding issue.The reinstatement underscores Arena’s dedication to transparency and accountability in its operations.