Special Investigating Unit welcomes order of Supreme Court of Appeal to recover financial losses suffered by South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) – African Business

Hlaudi Motsoeneng filed a cost-free appeal to the High Court of South Africa: Gauteng Local Division. The Supreme Court of Appeal denied the application. In August 2016, the then-SABC board decided to pay Motsoeneng a success payment for securing MultiChoice.

In February 2018, Motsoeneng was summoned by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and the SABC to recover the success fee. In December 2021, the High Court reviewed and set aside the former board’s decision and found that the decision was unlawful and invalid.

Motsoeneng (ex-SABC Chief Operations Officer) was ordered by High Court to repay R11,508,549.12 within seven business days. Interest at the rate 15,5% per annum was calculated from 13 September 2016 until the date of payment.

Motsoeneng must pay within seven days. The High Court will order the SABC Pension Fund or all pension proceeds to the SABC.

The SIU is pleased with the Supreme Court of Appeal’s order. It allows the Unit to recuperate financial losses incurred by the SABC as a result of invalid and unlawful decisions.

Justices Van Der Merwe JA, Kathree-Setiloane AJA rejected the application on grounds that there is no reasonable chance of success in an appeal.

President Cyril Ramaphosa directed the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration and to recover financial losses. SIU Act 74 (1996) gives the SIU the power to institute civil proceedings and to refer evidence pointing towards criminal conduct to National Prosecuting Authority, NPA, for prosecution.

Distributed by APO Group, Republic of South Africa: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development