The Presidency on Friday commented on the controversy surrounding the continued employment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)‚ by saying it “noted and respects the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA)” . Its statement came after Communication Minister Faith Muthambi said earlier on Friday that she has not “formally received” a letter from the SABC board requesting that former COO Motsoeneng be re-appointed in an acting capacity.Motsoeneng is effectively an ordinary SABC employee after the SCA earlier this week dismissed his application for leave to appeal a ruling by the Western Cape High Court‚ which set aside his permanent appointment.The Presidency’s statement noted that at a meeting “between government and the judiciary last year‚ it was reaffirmed that government would respect court rulings”.“Government fully abides by that undertaking‚” the statement added.That undertaking was made after Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng requested the meeting with President Jacob Zuma following criticism levelled at judiciary by Cabinet ministers and ruling party leaders.“The courts are the highest arbiters in disputes in society and all in our country must respect the courts and ensure that the Constitution and the rule of law prevail at all times‚” Friday’s statement said.It is not clear what motivated the statement‚ but Motsoeneng has long been seen as untouchable because of his proximity to Zuma.On the SABC board’s request to retain Motsoeneng at the state broadcaster‚ Muthambi's office said in a statement: “The ministry is aware of a letter purporting to be from the SABC‚ suggesting that the board request approval for the appointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng as acting chief operating officer."We want to state categorically that we have not formally received such letter from the SABC board for the minister’s consideration."This was after a memo from group company secretary Theresa Geldenhuys to board members proposing that Motsoeneng be appointed acting chief operating officer until December 2016 came to light on Thursday.Ministry spokesman Mish Molakeng on Friday said the minister has not been formally asked to reappoint Motsoeneng."As the shareholder representative‚ our duty is to wait for the SABC to engage us formally on this matter‚ in line with the mandate of the broadcaster‚" Molakeng said."Until such time‚ it would be highly in appropriate for the ministry to make public pronouncements."Motsoeneng’s lawyer‚ Zola Majavu‚ reportedly sent a letter to the SABC board demanding an explanation about his client’s role at the state broadcaster.Motsoeneng was suffering from emotional stress‚ Majavu wrote in the letter.According to a source with knowledge of the SABC board deliberations‚ Motsoeneng could land himself a "cushy job" at the broadcaster if the board members have their way. - with additional reporting by Bekezela Phakathi - TMG Digital/BDlive..