The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the Special Tribunal’s judgement declaring a decision by the former SABC executives to pay 53 music legends R50 000 each to be irregular, unlawful, invalid, and set it aside. The payments were incentives for supporting the SABC by compensating music legends who allegedly not receiving needle time royalties prior to 1996.
In its judgment dated 18 October 2022, the Special Tribunal found that the irregular and unlawful decision by Hlaudi Motsoeneng and eight others former SABC executives had resulted in the public broadcaster incurring an irregular and wasteful expenditure of R2 425 000.
The SIU and the SABC approached the Special Tribunal following an investigation by the SIU in the affairs of the SABC, which revealed that the SABC did not have a policy on which the payment decisions were based on. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that former executives collectively disregarded SABC’s internal policies and acted recklessly and grossly negligent in the performance of their duties and abused their power as SABC executives. Their actions have resulted in the SABC incurring wasteful and fruitless expenditure.
The SIU was authorised by the President to investigate allegations of impropriety into the affairs of the SABC under Proclamation R. 29 of 2017, and later was amended by Proclamation R.18 of 2018.
The Special Tribunal order is a continuation of implementation of the SIU investigations outcomes and consequence management to recover monies lost by the SABC. There are other cases enrolled in the High Court and in the Special Tribunal awaiting adjudication and will result in recoveries for the SABC.
The SIU is empowered to institute 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. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
Fraud and corruption allegations may be reported via the following platforms: siu@hotline.co.za / Hotline: 0800 037 774.
Enquiries: Mr Kaizer Kganyago
Head of Stakeholder Relations and Communications (SIU)
012 843 0048
082 306 8888
kkganyago@siu.org.za