Werner Swart

Werner Swart

The Communications Workers Union claimed victory yesterday after two top staff members of the embattled SABC were placed on special leave.

However, SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago rubbished the union's claims, saying the union had nothing to do with the suspensions.

The union demanded an investigation into Strini Naicker, the acting chief executive of commercial enterprises, and Lene Chamberlain, the department's human resources manager, after accusing the two of nepotism, improper management and of allegedly selling advertising at discounted rates.

Union spokesman Vulture Ntuluki said SABC acting group chief executive Gab Mampone placed both Naicker and Chamberlain on special leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Saying the SABC's finances were in a shambles, Ntuluki said: "The broadcaster is in serious trouble and our members who work there are seriously concerned. We not only want these two members investigated, but we want the entire broadcaster to be audited."

He said a dossier of allegations against the SABC would be handed to the Department of Communications ministry on Monday.

Kganyago, however, said the union was not behind the suspension of the two, rather "concerned staff members" levelled the allegations against them.

"They (the union) are jumping on the bandwagon. (Mampone) was told of the allegations last week already and he decided that the two members be put on special leave because the allegations are serious," he said.