Hlaudi Motsoeneng appointment unlawful: judgment

Monday 12 December 2016 - 12:03pm
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Former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng during the SABC 2015/2016 financial report release on September 29, 2016 in Johannesburg.

Former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng during the SABC 2015/2016 financial report release on September 29, 2016 in Johannesburg.

CAPE TOWN - The Western High Court delivered on Monday morning its judgment on the Democratic Alliance’s bid to have Hlaudi Motsoeneng removed from the SABC.

The court ruled that the new appointment of Motsoeneng was unlawful and irrational.

Judge Owen Rogers said Motsoeneng is not entitled to occupy any position in the SABC.

That is until either the Public Protector's report is set aside, or the disciplinary process against him is concluded.

 

 

Judge Rogers says the disciplinary process was also wholly inadequate and should be set aside and reinstituted, in line with the Public Protector's report.

The court has ordered that a new chair be appointed based on recommendations by political parties.

Lawyers for the DA argued that Motsoeneng is unfit to hold any senior position.

 

 

 

 

 

Last month, the party took the public broadcaster to court after the controversial Motsoeneng was appointed as group executive of corporate affairs, after a court had removed him as chief operating officer.

READ: Alleged Gupta-Motsoeneng link draws gasps in Parliament

Lawyers for the DA argued that Motsoeneng is unfit to hold any senior position and that his appointment was unethical and irrational and should be set aside. Motsoeneng said the SABC should make a decision on the matter.

He has also fired back, saying it is going to be tough to remove him due to his capabilities.

Motsoeneng was not present in court on Monday.