SABC still coy about top executive

The appointment of the chief operating officer at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is soon to be finalised in terms of a high court order on the appointment of executives at the public broadcaster, the SABC board said yesterday.

“The board wishes to state for the record that it has acted and will continue to act lawfully, and in line with the letter and spirit of the interim court order, on this matter. This includes the requirement of consultations with the shareholder representative [communications minister],” the board statement said.

“The interim court order gives clarity on the board’s responsibilities in making SABC executive appointments. The recruitment of executives, the chief executive officer, chief operating officer and chief financial officer is one of the SABC board’s urgent priorities and the processes are in progress and on track. The appointment of the successful candidate for COO is still being finalised, and the positions of CEO and CFO advertised.”

Communications Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane had on Monday refuted weekend media reports that MTN group executive for corporate affairs Chris Maroleng, pictured, would take over as COO at the SABC, replacing Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Kubayi-Ngubane said Cabinet was responsible for appointment processes of executives at the public broadcaster and that there was no COO appointment at the SABC. – ANA