Mampone's statement regretted

2010-03-12 20:06

Johannesburg - The SABC regretted that its commercial enterprises head Gab Mampone chose to release a statement about his suspension before due process could run its course, board chairperson Ben Ngubane said on Friday.

Mampone was accused of misconduct during his period as acting group chief executive officer between May 2008 and December 2009.

Ray Nkwe was appointed as acting group executive for commercial enterprises.

In a statement, Ngubane said there had serious concerns about the falling revenue of the SABC in the past two to three years.

"This has prejudiced not only the broadcaster, but also the livelihoods of our local independent producers".

"Mampone played an important role in the generation of revenue for the SABC."

Accurate picture

"His suspension is to enable the board to investigate and give an accurate picture of the reasons why revenue has declined so markedly in the past three years."

Ngubane said the board was committed to good governance.

"Our preliminary investigations in the first two months of our tenure have revealed serious shortcomings in some divisions, including commercial enterprises."

Mampone's suspension, he said, was critical to the investigation into the sales and marketing, revenue and governance of the SABC.

"We wish to place firmly on record that the SABC board is committed to turning the SABC around, both in terms of content and of revenue."

"We are also committed to ensuring that the broadcaster is above any suspicion when it comes to mismanagement or corruption."

Ngubane said due process had to take its course and he would not comment further on the matter.

- SAPA