SABC board is failing spectacularly: ANC
The ANC's Chief Whip in Parliament, Jackson Mthembu, says the SABC's decision to appoint Hlaudi Motsoeneng as Group Executive of Corporate Affairs is in direct violation of a court ruling against the public broadcaster's former COO.
Mthembu addressed the media on Wednesday and said he has called on Parliament to institute an inquiry into the fitness of the SABC board.
This comes after the SABC called an urgent press briefing yesterday to clarify uncertainty surrounding Hlaudi Motsoeneng's position.
The board announced that Motsoeneng will return to his former position as Group Executive of Corporate Affairs and that he is encouraged to apply for the COO position, which is set to be advertised soon.
The Supreme Court of Appeal last week dismissed Motsoeneng's application for leave to appeal a High Court in Cape Town ruling, which set aside his permanent appointment as COO.
According to the ANC Chief Whip, the public broadcaster has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
"We have been observing with dismay certain decisions taken by the board, some of which have been declared unlawful by our courts. The happenings at the public institution, which are taking place under the watch of the board, continue to be the cause of serious embarrassment - not only for the SABC, but for the country as a whole," Mthembu said.
He described the recent events at the public broadcaster as 'shenanigans' and said yesterday's decision points to a management that has no respect for the law.
"The deafening silence of the board and its apparent inability or unwillingness to swiftly intervene in the ongoing situation leaves much to be desired. It is clear that this board is failing spectacularly."