CEO's suspension 'orchestrated'

2008-05-15 16:02

Johannesburg - The Presidency orchestrated SABC CEO Dali Mpofu's suspension, his lawyers claimed on Thursday.

Mpofu is challenging his suspension in the Johannesburg High Court.

In papers submitted to the court Mpofu said SABC board chairperson Kanyi Mkhonza was acting on an instruction to "get rid of the CEO" issued by the Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad.

"I have reason to believe that the chairperson and the deputy chairperson, in particular, were and are still acting in pursuance of that instruction.

"Mr Pahad bears personal animosity towards me because I resisted his unwarranted attempts to interfere in the PSL (Premier Soccer League) and Supersport matches towards the end of 2007," Mpofu said in court papers.

His lawyers said his suspension was unlawful because the meeting where it was decided did not follow the correct procedures as stipulated in the Companies Act.

Mkhonza, in her submission to the court said Mpofu was suspended due to a number of "concerns".

These included:

- The late submission of the budget for the 2008/2009 financial year;

- The "alleged failure" to manage and present a clear technology road map to the board ... which relates directly to whether or not (SABC) will be able to meet obligations in relation to the Fifa Soccer 2010 World Cup final to be hosted in South Africa;

- The issue of the "loss of critically important sports contracts",

- The alleged failure to implement board resolutions, particularly in relation to the repositioning of SAFM.

Mkhonza suspended Mpofu last Wednesday, the day after he suspended Snuki Zikalala, SABC Group executive of news and current affairs.

Mkhonza said Mpofu's suspension was pending an investigation into allegations about his conduct, including claims that he refused or failed to implement board decisions.

- SAPA