Public Protector Thuli Madonsela expressed her surprise at the permanent appointment of controversial acting SABC chief operations officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng, SABC radio news reported.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what to make of it. I was surprised when I read this morning that he has been appointed,\u201d Madonsela told the station.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m still waiting for a response from the SABC and from the minister; until then I\u2019m not in a position to understand what has just happened.\u201d<\/p>\n
Communications Minister Faith Muthambi announced Motsoeneng\u2019s appointment on Tuesday night in Pretoria, saying she had made the appointment following a recommendation by the SABC board.<\/p>\n
In February, Madonsela released a report \u201cWhen governance and ethics fail\u201d which found Motsoeneng\u2019s SABC appointment irregular. Among other things, his salary increased from R1.5 million to R2.4m in one year.<\/p>\n
She found he had misrepresented his qualifications \u2013 that he passed matric \u2013 to the SABC, and recommended that he be replaced.<\/p>\n
At the time of releasing her report, Madonsela recommended that a new COO be appointed within 90 days. This deadline has since elapsed.<\/p>\n
After a previous request for extra time, the SABC board was given until August 17 to respond to Madonsela\u2019s report.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, Madonsela said she had had no response from either the communications department or the SABC.<\/p>\n
Madonsela said that in reacting to Motsoeneng\u2019s appointment, in addition to investigating \u201cany alleged or suspected improper conduct\u201d, she had the power to take appropriate remedial action.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not too concerned about what has happened. Of course the actors involved have done what they thought they needed to do. My way forward is to call them to my office to come and explain themselves and then I\u2019ll take it from there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Madonsela said one possible option was for her to approach Parliament to debate the matter.<\/p>\n
The Democratic Alliance said Motsoeneng\u2019s permanent appointment meant he could continue his \u201creign of terror\u201d at the national broadcaster.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can expect more surveillance and purging of SABC staff, more clampdowns on editorial independence and more \u2018happy news\u2019 that reflects positively on the governing party,\u201d DA MP Gavin Davis said.<\/p>\n
The Media Workers Association of SA said the SABC needed to ensure its sustainability.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe SABC needs a credible exit strategy from its persistent circumstances characterised by diminished public confidence, widening trust-deficit and compromised business competitiveness,\u201d general secretary Tuwani Gumani said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cStrengthening the SABC in terms of its independence from commercial, political and cultural influences is vital.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last week, political parties called for Motsoeneng to be relieved of his duties. This was after Motsoeneng suggested journalists should have a licence to practice, as in the medical and law professions.<\/p>\n
Also last week, Motsoeneng appeared before Parliament to present a strategic plan and budget for the SABC, which received a disclaimer of opinion from the Auditor General \u2013 the most adverse finding he can make.<\/p>\n
Parliament heard the SABC was losing advertisers and viewers.<\/p>\n
No basis to suspend Motsoneng: SABC board<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n SABC COO at odds with freedom of speech<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n