CC image courtesy of Zaian.
There is no basis for suspending South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) acting chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng as he is performing well in his role, SABC board chairperson Zandile Tshabalala told members of parliament (MPs) on Friday.
The South African Press Association (SAPA) reports Tshabalala was addressing a joint sitting of the communications, telecommunications, and postal services committees.
“We don’t have a basis for suspension because… in our case, he performs,” Tshabalala is quoted as saying.
“He has even gone to a role which isn’t his role of raising funding for the SABC.”
HumanIPO reported last week South African opposition party the Democratic Alliance (DA) had called for Motsoeneng’s suspension after communications minister Faith Muthambi said no progress had been made on finding a suitable replacement.
Earlier this year public protector Thuli Madonsela published a report documenting the irregularities in Motsoeneng’s appointment.
He also allegedly lied about his academic achievements, saying he had completed his secondary education when applying for employment.
Motsoeneng made headlines last week when calling for journalists to be issued with licences in order to practice within South Africa.
Both the DA and South African National Editors’ Forum condemned the comments, saying many dictatorships force journalists to register for licences to obtain work.
He has also been implicated in a scandal after Venda elders gave him a wife as a gift, along with a cow and a calf, which he allegedly accepted.
