/ 1 September 2010

CWU supports Mokoetle’s suspension

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) has expressed its support for the SABC board’s decision to suspend General Chief Executive Officer Solly Mokoetle.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, deputy general secretary Thabo Mogalane said: “The suspension of the GCEO will, in our view, allow the board to ultimately bring stability at the SABC.”

The union claims that Mokoetle’s suspension will allow the board to resolve the instability and corporate governance problems the SABC has faced since January this year.

The instability within the board has impacted negatively on the union’s members, Mogalane said, and problems with governance at the executive level have negative consequences for workers.

Mogalane further said the union disapproved of Mokoetle’s move to challenge the board’s decision in court, as opposed to utilising the internal processes of the public broadcaster.

The board has appointed Robin Nicholson as acting GCEO.

Despite the controversy around Nicholson’s alleged financial mismanagement, the CWU remains supportive of the board and its decision.

However, Mogalane said the union would not shy away from using its members to exert influence on the board in the future, if the union felt that the SABC was not being properly run.

Telkom
He further warned that a similarly unstable situation might arise at Telkom following the company’s announcement that it will take eight months to appoint a new CEO.

“We are worried that the absence of a permanent CEO for too long will bring Telkom into chaos,” he said. The existing CEO Reuben September announced last year that he would not renew his contract.

The CWU described their position on the public sector strike as obvious, and is waiting on Cosatu for guidance.

The union is considering a solidarity strike, saying that some of its members would be ready to strike from Thursday.