SABC to implement auditor-general's advice

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said the task team comprised staff with expertise in the issues raised in the report. The team has one month to finalise its implementation and report to acting chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng.

The announcement came just hours after public protests by broadcast interest groups calling for greater transparency and stronger leadership, piling more pressure on the SABC's management.

The auditor-general was asked to investigate allegations that employees were conducting business with the SABC, breaches of procurement regulations, and the irregular hiring of consultants. The investigation found evidence of serious violations across the board and recommended a range of actions, which were never implemented.

Earlier yesterday, the SOS: Support Public Broadcasting coalition picketed outside the SABC's Johannesburg headquarters, while a second group handed over a memorandum to Parliament's portfolio committee on communication chairman, Eric Kholwane. SOS demanded "that the SABC report back on its implementation of the resolutions in the auditor-general's report".

Kganyago said the committee took SOS's demands seriously and would continue to engage with the group.

Source: Business Day via I-Net Bridge