CC image courtesy of Zaian.
New permanent South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng was cleared of all wrongdoing by firm of lawyers before his appointment, according to communications minister Faith Muthambi.
HumanIPO reported yesterday Motsoeneng had been made a permanent fixture at the state broadcaster despite being the subject of a number of findings in public protector Thuli Madonsela’s February report on the SABC, amongst them that his appointment was irregular and based on lies by him about his qualifications.
His permanent appointment has sparked criticism from opposition parties.
But the South African Press Association (SAPA) reports Muthambi, speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing, said there were no irregularities in Motsoeneng’s appointment.
“The appointment of the independent law firm by the SABC board to investigate all the issues raised by the public protector was the most responsible way to deal with the public protector’s report,” Muthambi said.
“The SABC board and myself are satisfied that the report by the appointed firm of attorneys has cleared Mr Motsoeneng of any wrongdoing and therefore there was nothing before me that suggested that I should not confirm the appointment.
“I believe the board has exercised due diligence, therefore I’m saying my decision was rational.”
