JOHANNESBURG, October 12 (ANA) – The Democratic Alliance (DA) will on Wednesday make public its plans to ask the court to nullify the reappointment of former SABC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng as Group Executive of Corporate Affairs.
“Today, the Chairperson of the DA’s Federal Executive, James Selfe MP, will brief the media on the DA’s decision to approach the Western Cape High Court to have the appointment of former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng, as Group Executive of Corporate Affairs declared invalid,†said the DA in a statement.
Last month the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed Motsoeneng’s application for leave to appeal a ruling by the High Court in Cape Town‚ which set aside his permanent appointment as COO. That ruling also affirmed the findings of a report by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela that said he had lied about his qualifications.
“We are asking the courts to make a determination that Mr Motsoeneng is not a fit and proper person to hold any position at the SABC, much less at executive level given a slew of adverse judicial findings against his qualifications and conduct throughout his tenure,†sad the DA.
The DA said it also has concerns about the legitimacy of the constitution of the SABC Board itself and whether its conduct is compliant with the prescripts of the Broadcasting Act which governs it.
Last week two members of the SABC board – Krish Naidoo and Vusi Mavuso – resigned in a huff after being quizzed by Parliament. The resignations leave the board hamstrung with only four members, not enough to constitute a quorum.
Parliament asked he remaining board members to resign or face an inquiry. They chose not to resign.
“As such, the DA will also be asking the courts to make a determination on the suitability of the incumbent Board and obtain legal certainty on how the Board is to be dissolved and a new one appointed.â€
– African News Agency (ANA)
