/ 14 May 2008

Mpofu court hearing scheduled for Thursday

The Johannesburg High Court will hear an urgent application brought by suspended South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) group chief executive Dali Mpofu on Thursday, a representative speaking on his behalf said.

According to Thoba Karl-Halla, who said she was speaking on Mpofu’s behalf, legal application papers were served on the SABC on Monday and the corporation did not meet the deadline of responding by close of business on Tuesday.

Mpofu was not immediately available for comment.

Karl-Halla declined to give the names of Mpofu’s legal representatives.

The hearing was expected to start at 10am.

Mpofu has been tight-lipped over his planned court action against the SABC and has also instructed his lawyers not to comment to the media.

It is understood that the SABC received a letter from Mpofu’s lawyers in which he threatened to take legal action against the SABC board.

The letter was sent to SABC board chairperson Khanyisile Mkhonza and its acting chief executive, Gabriel Mampone.

Mpofu was suspended on full pay last Wednesday, the day after he suspended Snuki Zikalala, SABC group executive of news and current affairs.

Mkhonza said Mpofu’s suspension was pending an investigation into allegations about his conduct, including claims that he refused or failed to abide by or implement board decisions.

She said the probe was expected to take 30 days. — Sapa