SABC told to get rid of Motsoeneng

The ANC parliamentary caucus yesterday gave the SABC a week to rescind its decision to redeploy former boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng to another managerial position at the public broadcaster, says a Business Day report. ANC Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu said the SABC board would meet the Parliament’s Communications Committee on Wednesday to discuss rescinding Motsoeneng’s redeployment. If the meeting produced no consensus, a parliamentary inquiry would ensue. This could lead to a move to have the SABC board dissolved, Mthembu said. ‘When the ANC goes to the portfolio committee meeting, they will go informed by what we are saying now. If they meet in minds and decide on the next process, let them. All I know is that board is not fit to govern. Clause 15 (of the Broadcasting Act) is clear on who can recommend dissolution to the House and that is the committee of Parliament. But they can only recommend the dissolution after due process. That due process is an inquiry,’ Mthembu said. Among other things the caucus wanted to know was whether due process had been followed when the vacant position was filled by Motsoeneng. These processes included advertising the job, interviewing candidates and verifying qualifications. SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago maintained the SABC believed it had taken the correct steps in its handling of Motsoeneng’s appointment (see report below).