The SABC board was allegedly divided when it took the decision to fire COO Chris Maroleng.

It has emerged the decision had to be put to a vote after four of the board members disagreed with the recommendations of the disciplinary hearing to axe him. 

The four board members allegedly argued that the right sanction could have been a final written warning as some of the charges were not that serious as to warrant a dismissal.

Maroleng was found guilty of three of the four charges by the chairperson of the disciplinary hearing, Professor Takalani Madima two weeks ago, some of which were related to Robert Marawa's reappointment at the SABC.

Among the charges he faced were failure to adhere to his fiduciary duties relating to his alleged role in helping a former SABC employee who was facing a disciplinary process to secure employment elsewhere.

Other charges were about his alleged role in awarding a R15,000 allowance to an official seconded to his office, going against an HR directive that there should not be any material changes to the employee's contract of employment when effecting the secondment.

SABC spokesperson Vuyo Mthembu said: "The SABC disputes this gross misrepresentation of what took place at the board meeting. All matters discussed at board meetings are confidential and we will therefore not divulge the details thereof.

"The SABC has a solid and united board that takes decisions in the best interests of the organisation. The SABC remains committed to ensuring sound governance and consequence management, irrespective of a person's position within the corporation.

"We are confident the public and all key stakeholders support the SABC in its tough stance on governance and fiduciary failures."

Maroleng could not be reached for comment and had not responded to messages at the time of going to print.