Media

SABC legal fees double amid Motsoeneng fiasco

Staff Writer

 ·4 Oct 2016

Figures contained in the latest annual report of the SABC showed that legal fees for the public broadcaster climbed from R171 million to R257 million in the 2015/16 financial year, while legal claims provision also doubled from R47 million to R86 million.

The Democratic Alliance pointed to the ‘costly litigation’ that the SABC underwent in defending disgraced former COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, who has lost every one of his legal battles, with costs.

“It is outrageous that the SABC is willing to spend up to a total of R343 million on the frivolous legal cases to defend Mr Motsoeneng, when the broadcaster has just revealed that it suffered a net losses of R411 million in the same financial year,” the DA said

Late last month, the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed Motsoeneng’s application for leave to appeal a High Court in Cape Town ruling, which set aside his permanent appointment as COO.

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.

Despite the latest court ruling, the SABC maintained that Motsoeneng would remain an SABC employee, appointing him to the position of group executive for corporate affairs.

Motsoeneng went even further at press briefing last week by saying he would reapply to be COO of the public broadcaster when the opportunity arises – and in the meantime he will serve in his previous role as group executive of corporate affairs. “It is a given that I will apply. And I am qualified,” he said.

ANC chief whip, Jackson Mthembu called for the broadcaster to rescind Motsoeneng’s appointment.

“The deadline to action this removal is tomorrow and we’ll see to it that the ANC follows through, failing which, we will pursuing legal options,” the DA said.

More on the SABC

Hlaudi Motsoeneng hits out at ANC chief whip in open letter

Motsoeneng gets another salary hike

ANC orders SABC to ‘rescind’ Motsoeneng appointment

Hlaudi Motsoeneng not going anywhere: SABC chair

I will reapply to be COO of the SABC – I am qualified: Motsoeneng