Suspended SABC head of news Phil Molefe was paid full benefits amounting to R2,2m while at home last year, it was reported on Thursday. SABC chief financial officer Gugu Duda was paid R1,5m, The Star reported.
In written parliamentary reply, communications minister Dina Pule said the amounts were paid while Molefe and Duda’s disciplinary cases were being finalised.
“For Mr Phil Molefe, the full benefits are due until the disciplinary process is completed,” Pule reportedly said.
The same would apply to Duda, who was suspended in connection with allegations of irregularity in relation to procurement of certain services.
Molefe was placed on special leave on 10 April last year. At the time, the SABC said the leave was a human resources policy matter, and had nothing to do with his alleged political allegiances.
When the announcement about Molefe was made, the ANC Youth League claimed the SABC was targeting him because he had given its now expelled president Julius Malema “too much airtime”. — Sapa