WHAT’s the cost of transformation? Well-placed senior sources claim that the transformation process has already cost R500 000, the lions’ share of which has been spent at Television News Productions.
One group of facilitators was reportedly paid R200 000 for the work they did facilitating workshops at TNP; three days of workshops in the radio division brought in another R75 000. Add to this the costs of running the transformation unit, of employing an outside consultant (David Niddrie), and of travel to hold workshops in the regions, and the figure bumps against half a million.
Group chief executive Zwelakhe Sisulu confirmed the total figure of R500 000 and said: “The cost of this process has been well worth it. This wasn’t just consultation, but also training and development. Looked at in that light, the sum is not untoward.”
Asked to comment on these figures, Transformation Unit co-ordinator Niddrie added: “If one looks at comparable organisations like Escom, their process have been far more costly. The price might seem high, but change doesn’t come cheap.
“This is fundamental change — no one is wining and dining on the money. No individual will benefit, but the public will. It’s worth every penny.”