Embattled SABC CEO Solly Mokoetle has resigned due to an “irretrievable breakdown” in the relationship between himself and the public broadcaster’s board, SABC radio reported Wednesday.

Mokoetle said he was exhausted following a tough six months at the SABC. He was the SABC’s chief operating officer between 2001 and December 2006, and was appointed by former communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda.

His appointment was opposed by the SABC board as he reportedly left the state broadcaster in a huff as chief operating officer following a damning audit report compiled by Gobodo Forensic and Investigative Accounting in 2005.

The report found he had failed in his corporate governance duties.

A showdown between Mokoetle and the board came after the former nominated Phil Molefe as head of news.

The board eventually suspended him over Molefe’s appointment, and also alleged Mokoetle had failed to come up with a turnaround plan for the broadcaster.

The public broadcaster’s chief financial officer was appointed acting group CEO.

Mokoetle’s disciplinary hearing was suspended recently. He said it was no longer possible for him and the board to work together following a breakdown in their relationship.

Board member Cedric Gina, who attended Mokoetle’s press conference, told reporters Mokoetle was not given a “golden handshake”. He said there was hope for stability at the SABC following Mokoetle’s resignation. — Sapa