Mpofu blames Presidency over 'last straw' suspension

SABC chairperson Khanyi Mkhonza says in the papers: 'The applicants (Mpofu) in clear defiance of the board decided, without any power or authority to do so, to suspend Snuki (Zikalala). The applicant's conduct in suspending Zikalala in the manner that he did is yet a further example of what appears to be a pattern of behaviour by him that discloses complete lack of accountability to and disregard for the board.' Mpofu has in turn argued that the presidency orchestrated his suspension, says a Mail & Guardian Online report. Mpofu, however, is arguing that his suspension was unlawful because the meeting where it was decided did not follow the correct procedures as stipulated in the Company's Act. He said in court papers that the Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad had ordered the board to 'get rid of the CEO'. Full Mail & Guardian Online report See also a report on the IoL site

Zikalala is suing the broadcaster following his suspension last week, according to legal representatives of the SABC. This, notes a report on the SABC News site, was revealed during arguments over Mpofu's suspension. SABC lawyer Tim Bruinders was responding to a question posed by Judge Moroa Tsoka, asking why Zikalala had not complained about his suspension. Bruinders answered that Zikhalala was suing the SABC. Full SABC News report

In developments outside the court room, the full ANC caucus in Parliament has endorsed a vote of no confidence in the SABC board - a move the Cape Times says will put more pressure on President Thabo Mbeki to remove the unpopular board. It is now expected that the National Assembly - with the ANC's majority in the house - will pass a similar vote when the matter is debated on 22 May. If this happens it will then be left to Mbeki, who appointed the board late last year without consulting the then newly-elected ANC leadership, to decide on his next move. He made the appointments despite protests from some ANC MPs that some of the candidates had been imposed on them. Full Cape Times report (subscription needed)