New allegations of financial impropriety have rocked the SABC, days after the corporation announced it was almost R800-million in the red and planning to ask the government to guarantee loans estimated at up to R2-billion.
The SABC faces a fight for its financial future after losing its Standard Bank overdraft facility. And the Communications Workers' Union blames irregular financial activities in the office of Strini Naicker, general manager of sales for radio and television, not the global credit crisis.
"The union has evidence that the financial mess is a direct result of the misappropriation of funds, and this is far more than what is being acknowledged by management," it said on Friday.
Sales revenue has fallen by R400m in the financial year that ends this month. Industry experts say rivals e.tv and channels in the MultiChoice DStv bouquet have not seen anything similar.
Naicker was accused by the union of nepotism, selling advertising at heavily discounted rates and publishing inconsistent tariffs in rate cards, resulting in advertisers pulling out.
The union said because of the evidence it had, staff wanted Naicker removed from his post.
Naicker denied the claims, saying he was being targeted by a small group of staff who wanted to remain in the "comfort zone" of the past and not embrace innovative ideas aimed at saving jobs and taking the organisation forward.
Pressure
As part of a new strategy called Apex, supported by the board and management, Naicker said he wanted to reward top clients while targeting smaller advertisers. However, this put more pressure on staff to perform, causing unhappiness and potentially affecting earnings.
Regarding the claims of nepotism, Naicker said his brother, Nishalan, an SABC account executive in Durban, had freelanced for two years, earning 10% commission. A panel had interviewed him and offered him a job because he had proven himself.
Sales revenue was already in decline before Naicker took over in May from Gab Mampone, who was appointed acting group chief executive after the suspension of Dali Mpofu, the former chief executive.
Mampone has appointed a four-member committee to probe the allegations.
However, Naicker insists they are false. "I have nothing to hide. I never took a cent from the SABC. People are frustrated because of the changes I introduced."
Naicker said he had been subjected to racial comments and accusations that had made him wonder whether he should have turned down high-profile jobs at bigger organisations.
Mampone said the union was wrong in claiming he had not acted when told of the alleged irregularities last June. He said a dossier was presented to him a week ago.
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said, "Those allegations are being investigated. Gab (Mampone) is not protecting anyone and will act on the findings as soon as the probe is complete."
The SABC is implementing an austerity plan, freezing vacant posts, seeking an increase in the television licence fee and asking the government to increase its funding. But unions are upset that senior executives were paid R18m in bonuses in December when it was known the corporation was struggling.