DA to approach courts over Motsoeneng’s new SABC job

African News Agency (ANA)

DA to approach courts over Motsoeneng’s new SABC job
Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Photo: SABC

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Monday it would be instituting legal action against the appointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng to another senior post at the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

“After consultation with legal counsel, the DA has decided 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,” DA MP James Selfe said in a statement.

“In so doing we are asking the courts to make a determination that Mr Motsoeneng is not a fit an 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.”

In September, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) denied the broadcaster leave to appeal a ruling by the Western Cape High Court that Motsoeneng’s appointment at chief operating officer was unlawful and should be set aside.

Following the SCA ruling, the broadcaster’s board announced he would be moved to the post of group executive for corporate affairs, drawing the ire of parliamentarians across the political spectrum.

Parliament’s portfolio committee on communications last week resolved to institute an inquiry into the fitness of the board to hold office when it defended the decision to reappoint Motsoeneng to another senior post.

Selfe said it would also ask the Western Cape High Court to make a determination on the legitimacy of the board.

“The DA 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. As such, the DA will also be asking the courts to make a determination of the suitability of the incumbent Board and proffer legal certainty on how the Board is to be dissolved and a new one appointed,” said Selfe.

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SOURCEAfrican News Agency (ANA)