Amrit Manga appointed acting SABC head of news

The SABC Board has announced the appointment of Head of TV News and Current Affairs, Amrit Manga as acting Group Executive of News and Current Affairs. Manga replaces Snuki Zikalala who was suspended on Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile the SABC's Acting CEO, Gabriel Mampone has urged SABC staff to continue fulfilling their public service mandate despite the ructions at the broadcaster.

His appointment follows the suspension of SABC CEO Dali Mpofu and Head of News Snuki Zikalala. Mampone says: "What we need to do is just to focus. There are a number of projects across the organisation that need to be implemented, so we need intense focus. We need people to put their shoulders behind the wheel."

Mampone also emphasised the need for commitment. "We need to regroup obviously. As an organisation we have a business to run ... professional commitment from all of us is expected - so we need to do that."

30-day time limit for Mampone
Meanwhile the Board will have to act swiftly in the next 30 days to resolve the current impasse. "I have been requested to act on Dali's behalf for the next 30 days and while the board investigates allegations of misconduct laid against the GCEO". Mampone is confident that the public broadcaster will rise above the current challenges and meet their deadlines which includes preparing for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.