HLAUDI Motsoeneng will on Monday, 14 March, appear in the Special Tribunal over musicians’ royalties.
In 2016, while he was the SABC COO, he authorised payment of R50 000 once-off to at least 53 music legends, including Abigail Kubeka, Blondie Makhene, Mara Louw and the late Steve Kekana for their role in the anti-apartheid struggle.
Now, the SABC and the Special Investigating Unit wants the tribunal to declare the decision invalid and set aside.
They want back the R2,5 million payments.
Motsoeneng and his then executives, former group CEO James Aguma, former executive for TV Nomsa Piliso, ex-executive for corporate affairs Bessie Tugwana, former head of news and current affairs Simon Tebele, former group executive for sport Solly Motsweni and former group executive for radio Leslie Ntloko are opposing the application.
“Motsoeneng is opposing the application and so are the other respondents. The SA Music Legends has previously filed papers at the Special Tribunal seeking to join in support of Motsoeneng, and argued that he should not repay the amounts,” the Special Tribunal said in a statement.
Motsoeneng previously told the hearing that the decision was to “empower the musicians and a financial boost to the struggling artists”.
The other respondents argued they should not be asked to return the funds as that decision was taken in the execution of the corporate duties.
