1KZN TV chairman suspended
CALM is expected to be restored at local community television channel 1KZN TV, following the suspension of its chairman Dr Themba Fakazi.
This after brewing tensions at the station were revealed in a scathing email to the media by disgruntled staff members, which implicated Fakazi in a number of serious allegations pertaining to financial mismanagement, abuse of company resources as well as alleged sexual harassment.
A senior staff member at the station told the ZO that the 1KZN TV Board of Directors had been supplied with proof to back up the allegations.
Following the email, employees at the station threatened to down tools this week if the Board of Directors failed to find an amicable solution.
A media statement on Tuesday confirmed Fakazi’s suspension.
‘The new 1KZN TV Board of Directors, after careful consideration, decided to suspend Dr TF Fakazi with immediate effect.
‘His suspension as board member is pending a thorough investigation.
‘During this time Dr Fakazi is not allowed to represent the channel in any dealings with members of the public, advertisers, sponsors or other stakeholders.
‘He was also asked to refrain from communicating with any 1KZN TV staff, management or the new board members.
‘This also applies to the media on matters pertaining this issue,’ the statement read.
Chris Mkhize has been elected as the Acting Chairperson of the Board.
Mkhize, an author and a well-respected member of the community who previously served as CEO and board member of the uThungulu Community Foundation, said the investigation into the allegations made against Fakazi is yet to be conducted.
Damage Control
‘There are many complaints from a number of staff regarding allegations of the misuse of funds and so forth. Rather than the board being confused by the allegations, we have decided to appoint an external person to conduct an investigation into the allegations and will then base our decisions on the outcome.’
Mkhize said while he is still trying to find his feet as he had only been brought into the organisation about a week ago, he has high level management experience.
‘I don’t intend to come here and make drastic changes.
The first priority is to do some damage control,’ he said.
Mkhize’s appointment was welcomed by a number of senior staff at the station.
‘1KZN TV is very fortunate to have Mr Mkhize, as we are certain that his business experience, his excellent relationship with the Zulu Royal family, respect for the channel, enthusiasm and determination will serve 1KZN TV well,’ said 1KZN TV Station Manager and founding member Edwin Mncwango,
Elize Viljoen, 1KZN TV Executive Producer, echoed Mncwango’s sentiments.
‘We believe that our new board members understand the 1KZN TV vision and mission.
The new 1KZN TV Board of Directors is made up as follows:
Chris Mkhize (Acting Chairperson)
Muzi Ngema (Deputy Chairperson/HR officer)
Nokwazi Miya (Legal officer/secretary of the board)
Londiwe Xulu (Finance officer)
Nellenie Naidoo and Thulani Nkwanyana (Public Relations)
Sam Zungu (Nonexecutive)
Edwin Mncwango (Station Manager/ex officio member)
The first priority is to do some damage control