The Dali Mpofu settlement

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has noted the settlement reached between the SABC and Dali Mpofu, under which the former Chief Executive receives a R12 million exit package. This is in addition to the R2,1m legal fees incurred by the corporation.

While such expenditure is highly regrettable, at a time when the SABC expects to lose R1billion in the 2008/2009 financial year, the blame for this must be firmly placed on the shoulders of the former SABC Board chaired by Khanyi Mkonza, which was illegitimately appointed and was guilty of gross mismanagement.

Dali Mpofu cannot be blamed for exercising his rights under the constitution and the labour laws, and the present Interim Board should be commended for resolving a difficult situation which was none of their own making.

COSATU will be campaigning for the appointment of a new permanent board which will be truly representative of all the people of South Africa and will be able speedily to reverse the financial losses and forge ahead with creating a public broadcaster which genuinely speaks for the people of the country.

Statement issued by COSATU, August 17 2009

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