The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will not be deterred by the Special Tribunal judgment that found that it cannot recover R2.5 million from former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng and other executives.
In a statement on Tuesday night, 18 October, the crime-busting organisation spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said it would continue to fight to recover the money the public broadcaster lost because of the executives' unlawful and irregular decision to make a once-off payment to 53 music legends R50 000 each in 2016.
"There are other cases enrolled in the High Court and the Special Tribunal awaiting adjudication and will result in recoveries for the SABC.
"The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name, to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during both investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration," said Kganyago.
Tribunal Judge Lebogang Modiba ruled that the decision was unlawful in terms of the Constitution but she found against the SIU in respect of the recovery of money suing the period in which it can be demanded back had lapsed.
She said the payments were made more than five years ago SABC would have to take the loss.
The SIU and the SABC sought an order that Motsoeneng and his co-respondents, former SABC CFO Audrey Raphela and then Acting Group CEO James Aguma pay back the R2.5 million.
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The legends who benefitted included Abigail Kubeka, Blondie Makhene, Mara Louw, and the late Steve Kekana for their role in the anti-apartheid struggle.
SABC spent R12.5 million on the project.
Kganyago aid the unlawful decision by the former executives had resulted in the public broadcaster incurring an irregular and wasteful expenditure of R2.5 million.
"The order is a continuation of the implementation of the SIU investigations outcomes and consequence management to recover monies lost by the SABC," said Kganyago.
