The SABC will analyse public protector Thuli Madonsela’s report, which found its acting chief operating officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, had operated above the law.
“We have just received the report today,” said SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago.
“The board needs to study the report, then we can communicate later what will happen because we only received it today like everyone else.”
Madonsela on Monday spoke of Motsoeneng’s irregular appointment and a crooked salary progression.
She found that Motsoeneng irregularly and rapidly increased the salaries of various staff members, resulting in the state broadcaster footing an unprecedented salary bill escalation of R29m.
Complaints against Motsoeneng were raised with Madonsela by former SABC staff — including former chief operating officer Charlotte Mampane and ex-SABC senior executive Phumelele Ntombela-Nzimande.
Motsoeneng was also investigated for fraudulently misrepresenting his qualifications to the SABC, including that he had passed matric when he applied for employment.
Madonsela said allegations that Motsoeneng committed fraud by stating in his application form that he had completed matric at Metsimantsho High School in QwaQwa were substantiated.
She said it was worrying that Motsoeneng’s file “disappeared” at the SABC amid his denial of falsifying qualifications.
Madonsela’s report recommends that the SABC board institute corrective action against the “dishonest” Motsoeneng.
Madonsela urged communications Minister Yunus Carrim to take urgent steps to fill the “long outstanding vacant post of chief operating officer” with a suitably qualified permanent incumbent within 90 days.
She also urged Carrim to establish why group chief executive officers at the SABC cannot function and leave prematurely, causing financial and operational strains. — Sapa