UDM slams SABC board for Mpofu suspension

Yesterday the court ruled that Dali's suspension was unlawful

United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa says the SABC's Group CEO Dali Mpofu's successful court application to have his suspension lifted is a clear indication that the SABC board did not apply its mind correctly when it suspended him.

However, Holomisa says this is just temporary relief for Mpofu. The UDM leader says if he was in Mpofu’s shoes he would seriously consider leaving what he calls the chaotic situation at the SABC.

Holomisa has also described Parliament’s Communications Committee of being technically out of order for its motion of no confidence in the SABC board. He says instead, there should be a call of a vote of no confidence in the person who appointed the board.

Cosatu welcomes ruling
The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) welcomed the ruling by a Johannesburg High Court judge to set aside SABC chief executive Dali Mpofu's suspension.

Judge Moroa Tsoka had criticised the conduct of the public broadcaster's chairperson. Tsoka ruled that "the meeting at which the decision was taken to suspend Mpofu was unlawful", Cosatu said in a statement.

Cosatu called for the SABC board members to resign and be replaced by a board that "truly reflects the broad spectrum of the South African society". The union federation agreed with the ANC parliamentary study group in the Communications Committee that the court's decision to reinstate Mpofu "gives more grounds for a vote of no confidence in the SABC board". - Additional reporting by Sapa