Cabinet takes tough stance on Motsoeneng matter

Cape Town - Cabinet on Thursday said the reappointment of the SABC's former chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng to another senior position shows disrespect for the rule of law.

Briefing the media on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe issued a stern warning to the SABC board, asking them to not disregard the Supreme Court of Appeal's decision to set aside Motsoeneng’s appointment as COO.

Attempts to subvert the court’s decision through “legally suspect interpretations” border on violating the constitutional principle of legality and challenge the judicial authority of South Africa’s courts, Radebe said.

“Cabinet fully aligns itself with the statement issued by the presidency on September 23, on the matter of the COO of the SABC,” Radebe said. “Cabinet respects the ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal confirming the setting aside of the appointment of Mr Hlaudi Motsoeneng as chief operations officer of the SABC.

“Cabinet would like to remind the SABC board of Section 165 of the constitution,” Radebe said; according to this, a court decision binds all persons and organs of state to which it applies.

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi was directed to urgently address the Motsoeneng matter with the SABC board, Radebe said.