Former SABC board members, Mbulaheni Obert Maguvhe, Ndivhoniswani Aaron Tshidzumba, and Maleshane Audrey Raphela have been ordered to pay back some R11.5 million related to an unlawful ‘success fee’ paid to former SABC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng in 2016.
The order was handed down in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which had been pursuing the matter, welcomed the order.
“The order, granted by the Honourable Judge Crutchfield, compels [the three] to pay the amount, together with interest from the date of service of summons, jointly and severally.
“The former SABC board members are also liable for the SIU’s legal costs. Previously, Mr Motsoeneng was the only one liable for paying the R11.5 million. This ruling now holds board members accountable for also repaying the money that resulted from their unlawful decision, which was at the public broadcaster’s expense,” the SIU said.
The corruption busting unit described the order as a “crucial enforcement action stemming from the broader litigation concerning” the ‘success fee’.
“The then SABC Board paid the fee in August 2016 for his role in securing the MultiChoice deal, a decision subsequently declared unlawful and invalid by the High Court.
“The SIU is committed to following all legal avenues to recover every cent lost by the SABC and ultimately, the South African public. We will now proceed to carry out this latest court order to ensure the recovery of these funds.
“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
