The way is open to fire Motsoeneng from the SABC: DA
The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has dismissed SABC chief operating officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s application for leave to appeal a judgement that found his permanent appointment at the broadcaster be set aside as invalid.
“Effectively Mr Motsoeneng will have no joy from our courts and must vacate the SABC without delay,” said James Selfe, chairperson of the DA’s Federal Executive.
In May, the High Court dismissed with costs an application by Motsoeneng and the SABC for leave to appeal against a ruling that invalidated his permanent appointment. The broadcaster then approached the Supreme Court again, in July.
In 2015, the DA launched a legal bid to overturn the appointment of Motsoeneng as SABC COO. Subsequently, the Western Cape High Court in November 2015 ruled that Motsoeneng’s appointment was irrational and unlawful, and must be set aside.
The DA noted that in its court order, the SCA specifically asserts that “the application for leave to appeal is dismissed with costs on the grounds that there is no reasonable prospect of success in an appeal and there is no other compelling reason why it should be heard”.
The DA said that Motsoeneng has made statements and taken decisions that directly contradict the SABC’s obligations and the right to freedom of expression.
These statements and decisions have been widely reported and include:
- Stating that journalists should obtain licences in order to report news;
- Refusing to broadcast images of violent protests;
- Arguing that the SABC should not report on crime because it encourages further crimes;
- Insisting on the need to broadcast 70% “happy news”. Coincidentally, this aligns precisely with similar statements made by the President at around the same time;
Refusing to broadcast newspaper headlines and cancelling programmes that discuss newspaper headlines; - Refusing to air election adverts by the DA;
- Considering requiring SABC employees to wear uniforms;
- Refusing to report on the activities of political parties other than the ANC;
Instructing the SABC not to run stories that reflect negatively on President Zuma; - Regularly interfering with editorial decisions within the SABC; and
Attempting to discipline journalists who comply with the ethics of their profession and refuse to comply with his form of propaganda and censorship.
“Given this latest and damning evidence, the DA calls on Mr Motsoeneng and the SABC to stop their vexatious litigation and not approach the Constitutional Court and tender his resignation effective immediately,” said Selfe.
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