SABC’s Motsoeneng paid more than Zuma
The Democratic Alliance has revealed that SABC chief operations officer (COO), Hlaudi Motsoeneng, was paid R2.8 million in 2013 – more than President Jacob Zuma.
The information came following a reply to a DA parliamentary question.
President Zuma currently earns a salary of R2,622,561 per annum.
Motsoeneng is under a cloud after he misrepresented his matric qualifications to the SABC, while Public Protector Thuli Madonsela also found that Motsoeneng was not fit for the job as COO.
DA Shadow Minister of Communications, Gavin Davis, noted that in 2010, Motsoeneng’s take-home pay was R334 167. 72.
“This means that Mr Motsoeneng is being paid nearly R2.5 million more per annum than he was in 2010 – an eight-fold increase in four years.”
Davis called Motsoeneng’s rise at the SABC ‘remarkable’, particularly given the Public Protector’s findings in February that he:
- Lied about having a matric when applying for the COO position and previous positions at the SABC.
- Violated SABC personnel regulations by having his salary increased three times in the space of one year – from R1.5 million to R2.4 million.
- Was responsible for other unlawful salary increases that saw the SABC’s salary bill escalate by R29 million.
- Purged senior staff disloyal to him and promoted those loyal to him.
“The inescapable conclusion is that he has been protected, promoted and rewarded for his political loyalties to President Zuma,” Davis said.
The parliamentary reply also revealed that SABC staff members were paid more than R65 million in bonuses this year despite numerous issues plaguing the public broadcaster.
The DA said it supports a system of bonuses and salary increases based on individual performance.
“Indeed, there are many dedicated SABC journalists and operational staff who do excellent work under very difficult circumstances. They should be commended and rewarded,” Davis said.
The DA said that while the SABC’s claims that it is performing well, the following evidence suggested otherwise:
- The Auditor-General (A-G) last year issued a disclaimer of opinion in its audit of the SABC. The A-G found that the SABC was unable to provide documentation for more than R1.5 billion in expenditure.
- Last year, taxpayer-funded government handouts to the SABC nearly doubled to R224 million from R130 million the previous year.
- Audience share declined from 57% in 2011/2012 to 53% in 2012/2013
- Last year, the SABC’s gross revenue was R400 million below budget.
The DA said it will call on SABC chairperson, Ellen Tshabalala, to appear before the Communications Portfolio Committee to explain the millions of rands paid out in bonuses and salaries.
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