Edward Tsumele and Eric Naki

Edward Tsumele and Eric Naki

The embattled SABC board has finally broken its silence over the scathing letter by SABC executives, who on Monday came out in support of chief executive Dali Mpofu.

The board, in a veiled threat of punitive action, yesterday hit back at the seven executives who had called for it to step down.

"The SABC board condemns in the strongest terms the conduct of the seven members of the executive (only two of these are permanent members of the group executive committee) who signed a petition that was sent to the media and other third parties calling on the board to resign with immediate effect.

"We consider this petition mischievous, divisive and intended to undermine the integrity and authority of the board as well as damaging the credibility of the organisation. It is important that the authority of the board is respected in the same way that the board acknowledges the role of management, that of Parliament and that of the appointing authority. We, however, do not wish to address this petition and the people behind it through the media," SABC chairman Khanyisiwe Mkhonza said.