Outcry over ‘stalling’ of SABC probe

ALLEGED delays by President Jacob Zuma to sign a proclamation for a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into the SABC is causing consternation.

Executives at the SABC and other interested parties have raised concerns about the “apparent delays,” in signing the proclamation, which they hope would help fast track the process to stabilise the ailing corporation before the (SABC) interim board’s term ends in September.

“For us, the key is, if you are going to unlock the problem, you actually need to get to the root of the fraud, irregularities and wasteful and fruitless expenditure,” said a source at the SABC.

“It (SIU proclamation request) has been sitting at the president’s desk for more than two months now.”

Two weeks ago, Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo met the SABC interim board and Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) and the SIU for an update on the investigations.

SIU head advocate Lekhoa Mothibi said the areas of focus that had been identified for a probe included procurement and contracting of goods, works and services by or on behalf of the SABC; payments and related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure. EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said: “The EFF condemns this delaying as tantamount to defeating the ends of justice. The failure to sign the proclamation further delays much needed stability and progress at the SABC.”

Yesterday, SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the interim board was concerned about the delays. “They (board members) say ‘yes it would be good, in terms of process, for the president to sign urgently’ but it’s not up to them.”

Presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga denied that Zuma was delaying the signing. SIU spokesperson Nazreen Pandor said they would comment tomorrow “after checking and verifying (the issue) with the team”.