FORMER SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng and his executives owe the public broadcaster R8 million.
On Monday, 14 March, the Special Tribunal (SIU) heard that his decision to give R50 000 once-off payments to 215 music legends was unlawful.
SABC and SIU legal representative Advocate Jabu Motepe told the hearing that Motsoeneng and his members of the operation committee, 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 must be held liable. The committee spent R10,5 million on the project, and the SABC only recovered R2,5 million.
Motepe said if they were not ordered to pay, it would mean the SABC has to pay, which is unfair.
“If the decision is not set aside, the SABC will be forced to pay the remainder of the amount, money it can hardly afford,” he said.
Lawyers for the respondents told the tribunal the matter had prescribed since it was pursued after a three-year period.
They said there were no grounds for seeking monetary claim against them in their personal capacity.
Advocate Nikiwe Nyathi for Motsoeneng said the board was informed and aware of the payments to the music legends. “SABC policy makes allowance for a project of this nature to be made.”