Mafika Sihlali, head of legal services for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), was suspended on Friday, the national broadcaster said.
Sihlali was suspended with full pay, pending a disciplinary inquiry after allegations of corruption and abuse of power were levelled against him.
”The decision to suspend Sihlali follows a comprehensive investigation commissioned by the audit committee of the board..,” SABC board chairperson Eddie Funde said.
”We would like to emphasise that even though we view the charges against Sihlali in a very serious light, we still respect the due process of the law and that of the SABC policy, which requires that he be afforded an opportunity to present his side of the story before any further action can be taken.”
He said the SABC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the risk-management systems and measures pertaining to good governance were adhered to.
”The SABC hopes that all concerned will allow this due process to run its course,” said Funde.
Earlier this month, Sihlali took the SABC to court in a desperate effort to save his career.
In July, the Mail & Guardian newspaper was interdicted by Sihlali from publishing a story on an explosive draft internal SABC audit report. The interdict order against the M&G was eventually dismissed with costs.
— Sapa