The Democratic Alliance said on Monday that it has decided to file papers at the high court in the Western Cape to have the appointment of former SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng as group executive of corporate affairs declared invalid.

“In so doing, we are asking the courts to make a determination that Motsoeneng is not a fit and proper person to hold any position at the SABC, much less at executive level, given a slew of adverse judicial findings against his qualifications and conduct throughout his tenure,” DA MP James Selfe said in a statement.

He said the DA also has concerns about the “legitimacy of the constitution of the SABC board itself and whether its conduct is compliant with the prescripts of the Broadcasting Act, which governs it”.

“As such, the DA will also be asking the courts to make a determination of the suitability of the incumbent board and proffer legal certainty on how the board is to be dissolved and a new one appointed,” Selfe said.

He accused communications minister Faith Muthambi and the SABC board of “aiding and abetting” Motsoeneng, who he said “has for too long got his way, while at the same time undermining the public protector, the judiciary and the people of South Africa”.

“It is never ideal to approach our nation’s judiciary on these matters but it has become necessary in the face of uncooperative government agencies who refuse to give effect to their statutory obligations to operate in the public interest,” he added. — © 2016 NewsCentral Media