DA heads to court over Motsoeneng

SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng. File picture: Timothy Bernard

SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng. File picture: Timothy Bernard

Published Aug 19, 2014

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Johannesburg - The DA's application to have the appointment of SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng set aside is expected to be heard in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday.

In February, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela released a report on Motsoeneng, while he was acting COO.

She found his salary increased from R1.5-million to R2.4-million in one year, that he had purged senior staff, and misrepresented his matric qualifications to the SABC. Madonsela recommended that a new COO be appointed at the SABC within 90 days.

In July, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi announced Motsoeneng's permanent appointment. She said he was cleared of all wrongdoing by a legal firm before the decision was made.

The Democratic Alliance then launched a high court bid to have his appointment set aside. Muthambi and the SABC filed opposing court papers.

SABC board chairwoman Ellen Tshabalala, in her court papers, reportedly rubbished Madonsela's report.

Tshabalala said the broadcaster knew from day one that Motsoeneng did not have matric.

She said he was not dishonest, had never misled the SABC, and was not responsible for any irregular spending. - Sapa

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