SABC probe had political agenda to fire me – Hlaudi
FORMER SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng yesterday maintained that the ad hoc committee set up to investigate the SABC board’s fitness to hold office was actually set up as part of a political agenda to deal with him.
Motsoeneng made this claim as he was cross-examined by the SABC during his hearing at the Commission for Conciliation‚ Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)‚ where he is challenging his dismissal.
He was dismissed in June last year after being found guilty of bringing the broadcaster into disrepute following a media conference he called on April 19.
At that conference‚ Motsoeneng said he was addressing findings made by the ad hoc committee‚ which was tasked by the National Assembly in November 2015 to inquire into the fitness of the SABC board.
During cross-examination‚ Motsoeneng said he stood by what he had said at the media briefing – that the ad hoc committee process was flawed.
“This was a political agenda to deal with me‚” Motsoeneng said.
However‚ SABC counsel Paul Myburgh said the ad hoc committee dealt with a myriad of issues and did not just deal with Motsoeneng.
“I am the only person who appears [in the commission’s report] more than anyone. I maintain it was a Hlaudi’s ad hoc committee‚” Motsoeneng said. In its report‚ the ad hoc committee said Motsoeneng’s legal representatives submitted a response on his behalf. “The response did not address the evidence or findings‚ but highlighted Mr Motsoeneng’s concerns with regard to the committee’s process‚ and the decision not to invite him to give evidence‚” the report said.
Motsoeneng said there was no way the ad hoc committee could get involved in the discipline of SABC employees because the Broadcasting Act did not allow it.
He said the reason he addressed a media briefing in April was to respond to insults levelled at him by the ad hoc committee. The hearing continues.