The party that was on Tuesday accused of “destabilising” the South African Broadcasting (SABC) with its interference had a fresh list of questions — and a new threat of legal action — for the broadcaster’s board.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said “that the SABC’s executive committee (CEO‚ CFO and COO) appointed Hlaudi Motsoeneng to the position of group executive of corporate affairs smacks of irregularity”.

“The speed and apparent secrecy with which the ‘process’ was carried out raises questions about the credibility of the appointment hot off the heels of the Supreme Court of Appeal’s dismissal of leave to appeal‚” the DA’s James Selfe said.

He said the “appointment raises questions specifically around”:

- “Who had the position of group executive: corporate affairs before?;

- “Was the position even vacant?;

- “Was the position advertised?; and

- “Were proper appointment procedures duly observed?”

Selfe also said it was “particularly concerning because the CEO and acting COO are one and the same person — James Aguma”.

“During the press conference it was also suggested that the board may not have been consulted on the appointment‚” he added.

“Although it is not entirely clear‚ it would appear that Bessie Tungwana was quickly smuggled out of her position as the group executive of corporate affairs and relocated to the office of the CEO‚ which would likely be a highly irregular circumnavigation of due appointment procedures.”

The party is taking legal advice on the matter‚ he said.

Board chairperson Professor Mbulaheni Maguvhe singled out the DA on Tuesday at the press conference to announce Motsoeneng’s appointment‚ and accused the party of bringing chaos to the SABC.

“I would also like to appeal to society and opposition parties not to interfere with SABC processes because they are the ones who are destabilising this organisation‚ and with that instability we will not be able to fulfill our mandate.”

He said there was a perception that had been created by the opposition party and media that the SABC did not respect legal institutions.

“We respect our legal institutions‚ among them‚ the public protector’s office and our courts. If I may cite one good example‚ the public protector wanted us to institute a disciplinary hearing against COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng. We adhered to her advice and Motsoeneng was cleared.

“Unfortunately when things do not go your way you think that processes were not followed. because after that disciplinary hearing the DA said it was a whitewash.

“When you read Judge (Dennis) Davis’ judgement‚ it stated that Mr Motsoeneng can... hold any position here at SABC‚ including that one of COO if the requirement are meet and due processes have been followed.”

Upon hearing the news of Motsoeneng’s return to the corporate affairs executive position‚ Public Protector Thuli Madonsela she said that her office would request a response from the SABC on the processes followed.

Among the things they would want to know were: “What was the process of appointing him? Was the position vacant?” and what the job requirements were. — TMG Digital