Dr Lindelani Mkhize rejects allegations over Joyous Celebration finances
Dr Lindelani Mkhize firmly denies allegations of financial impropriety within Joyous Celebration, attributing the claims to longstanding governance disputes as the matter heads towards arbitration.
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THE founding member of gospel group Joyous Celebration, Dr Lindelani Mkhize, has strongly denied allegations of financial impropriety within the music entity, saying the claims stem from longstanding governance disputes dating back several years.
“Dr Mkhize categorically rejects any suggestion of improper or unlawful conduct and notes that many of the issues referenced arise from longstanding governance disputes that date back several years,” he said, in a statement issued in his personal capacity.
He clarified that he has never exercised control over the company’s bank account.
“Dr Mkhize has never transacted on the company’s bank account nor exercised control over payments. Payment administration has been conducted through the Joyous Office under Pastor Jabu Hlongwane as the duly appointed bank transactor. The bank’s audit trail reflects this fact,” the statement read.
The disputes intensified after a meeting in December 2021, when Pastors Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba expressed their intention to exit Joyous Celebration, and confirmed this in writing in March 2022.
"Historically, major events, sponsorship receipts, and bookings were administered through an external managing agent," read the statement
Dr Mkhize said he welcomed a structured separation process, subject to independent valuation and full financial disclosure.
Concerns over liabilities emerged after the exit of an external managing agent, when sponsorship receipts and bookings were administered internally.
According to Dr. Mkhize, this period saw “significant liabilities, including tax‑related obligations” accumulate. He said he requested historical bank statements and engaged an independent accountant to review the records.
“Dear Mr. Mkhize, If there are payments you want to ask about, I suggest that you ask me. Mpho does not make payments. He might have an idea about other things, but payments are made at the office,” Pastor Hlongwane said.
Dr Mkhize said no further substantive clarification has been provided regarding the liabilities or the continued payment of performance fees to members who have not actively participated in productions for several years.
He added that the central disagreement concerns governance principles, particularly the distinction between operational remuneration and ownership returns.
“Membership does not create an automatic entitlement to ongoing operational payments in the absence of participation or outside declared distributions,” the statement noted.
The matter is now subject to formal arbitration.
“These matters are subject to formal arbitration, where all parties, including Dr Mkhize, will account fully in accordance with due process. He will not litigate governance disputes or conclude a potential buyout in the media and remains committed to resolving these matters through lawful and structured processes,” the statement said.
“Further, Dr Mkhize remains committed to the truth and to the protection of the Joyous Celebration legacy, which has been built through the dedication of many artists, musicians, technicians and staff over decades,” added Dr Mkhize.