The appointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng as the new executive of corporate affairs at the SABC was the "last straw that broke the camel's back"‚ the African National Congress in Parliament said on Wednesday. The ANC is now calling for a Parliamentary inquiry into the broadcaster's board.
ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu‚ calling for the inquiry‚ told a news conference that the latest "shenanigans" coming after a Supreme Court of Appeal judgment were unlawful and disrespectful of the rule of law.
“The appointment of previous COO to another senior post is the last straw that broke the camel’s back. The board must rescind it‚” Mthembu was quoted as saying on the ANC parliament Twitter account.
Democratic Alliance MP Phumzile van Damme called a similar inquiry last month. However‚ the communications committee resolved to call the board to appear before them first before taking the decision on whether to institute an official inquiry.
The board will appear before Parliament's portfolio committee next week but Mthembu says after the latest "mess up"‚ he believes that an official inquiry should be launched‚ as "day to day oversight" was not enough.
If an inquiry finds that the board is not fit to govern‚ it can recommend the dissolution of the board to the appointing authority - President Jacob Zuma.
Motsoeneng’s position as COO was found to be invalid after the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed his application for leave to appeal a High Court in Cape Town ruling‚ which set aside his permanent appointment. The case was informed by a Public Protector finding that Motsoeneng had lied about his qualifications and irregularly increased his salary.
SABC board chairman Professor Mbulaheni Maguvhe publicly endorsed Motsoeneng‚ telling a news conference on Tuesday that he remains an employee of the broadcaster and will serve as GE corporate affairs. And when the job of chief operating officer is advertised‚ he can apply‚ Maguvhe said.
Wearing a jaunty hat and a beaming smile‚ Motsoeneng told the nationally broadcast news conference that he would indeed reapply for the job of COO when it is advertised. In the meantime‚ he intended to turn the Corporate Affairs job into an exciting position. "My belief is when there is dark I see the light because that position is very critical and I am going to make sure that position becomes more exciting."
- TMG Digital/Parliamentary Bureau
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