/ 11 June 2009

Dali Mpofu wins third legal round against the SABC

The Johannesburg High Court dismissed with costs the SABC’s appeal against reinstating its suspended chief executive officer Dali Mpofu on Thursday.

In his ruling, Judge Mahomed Jajbhay said former SABC board chairperson Khanyisile Mkonza, who recently resigned from her post, was clearly caught up in an emotional response to the suspension of Snuki Zikalala.

Zikalala headed the public broadcaster’s news and current affairs desks until his contract ended and the board decided not to renew it in April this year.

Mpofu’s legal wrangles with the public broadcaster started when he suspended Zikalala amid accusations that Zikalala leaked confidential documents and an internal memorandum.

The board suspended Mpofu in May 7 2008, arguing that he did not have the authority to suspend Zikalala. This was the first of three suspensions.

On Thursday, Jajbhay dismissed the cash-strapped SABC’s appeal with costs, including that of two counsel.

Mpofu was elated at the court outcome, but would not say whether he was still interested in heading the broadcaster.

He said his lawyers would study the judgement before a decision was made on how to proceed.

Jajbhay previously suggested that the SABC and Mpofu resolve their dispute outside court. – Sapa