The defamation case involving the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) against social media influencer Setlhomo Raymond Tshwanelang is currently being presided over by Justice Michael Leburu. Tshwanelang has been actively alleging corruption and abuse of office by CEDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Thamane, CEDA ambassador Sonny Serite, and members of the CEDA board.
This week, the parties appeared before the honorable judge pursuant to an order issued on November 13, 2024. This order obligates Tshwanelang to remove and refrain from making defamatory remarks concerning CEDA. Additionally, he is required to publish a written retraction on his social media platforms for all statements and information targeting CEDA.
CEDA has asserted its locus standi in this matter, following accusations against its employees and board members of misconduct. The agency contends that Tshwanelang’s statements have disparaged its esteemed reputation. It argues that these allegations of corruption have inflicted direct harm on CEDA’s public image.
The institution underscored that despite being aware of the court order dated November 13, Tshwanelang has persisted in making defamatory comments. CEDA claims that these publications have eroded its goodwill and reputation, portraying it as an untrustworthy entity, and that a mere apology and retraction would not suffice to restore its standing.
CEDA emphasized the gravity of disregarding a court order, referring to relevant case law to highlight non-compliance as a serious offense. It was noted that Tshwanelang acknowledged the court order’s existence in a Facebook post but continued with his defamatory remarks notwithstanding.
Conversely, Tshwanelang’s legal representatives argued that CEDA, as a wholly government-guaranteed entity, lacks the locus standi to pursue this case. They contended, “A state-owned company is distinct from a private enterprise established for profit, bearing larger responsibilities than pursuing citizens for negative commentary.”
They further argued that CEDA’s operations and government funding would persist irrespective of any comments made about the agency.
Judge Leburu has extended the order until next Thursday, the date scheduled for the ruling to be delivered.
