/ 17 September 2008

No luck in court for suspended SABC chief

The Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday dismissed South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) group CEO Dali Mpofu’s application to have his suspension set aside, the broadcaster reported.

Mpofu was suspended on May 7, a day after he suspended his news chief, Snuki Zikalala.

His latest application challenged the board’s authority to implement disciplinary action or to suspend him.

Judge Frans Milan found that Mpofu’s application only concerned his status as an employee and not as a director, because even though he had been suspended he continued to hold his position as an executive board member.

Milan said he did not agree with Mpofu’s contention that the role of the board was only to compile a shortlist of candidates and make recommendations to Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri.

Mpofu argued that non-executive members had no power to appoint a fellow director.

The judge said the board recommended Mpofu’s appointment, which was approved by the Cabinet, but it was understood at all times that the appointment itself was made by the board.

He therefore found that the board and not Matsepe-Casaburri was empowered to take disciplinary action against Mpofu.

The application was dismissed with costs. Mpofu said he intends to appeal the decision, the SABC reported. — Sapa