The ANC has ordered the SABC board to u-turn the controversial appointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng as the public broadcaster’s new Group Executive of Corporate Affairs.

Speaking in parliament today the ANC Chief Whip, Jackson Mthembu, lambasted the SABC. Mthembu said that ANC is gravely concerned with the ongoing instability at the organisation.

The ANC was the second party to officially condemn the move, following a similar call from the DA.

It was also revealed that Motsoeneng will be applying for the position of COO, when it is advertised.

“The shenanigans unfolding at SABC distracts the broadcaster on discharging it’s core mandate as a public broadcaster,” Mthembu said. “The appointment of previous COO to another senior post is the last straw that broke the camel’s back. The board must rescind it.”

Mthembu further added that the party will recommend that parliament have an inquiry into fitness of the SABC board.

When was Hlaudi’s new post advertised?

Mthembu went on to say that the board will have some explaining to do before parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications.

“Another question is, when was the position advertised and what are the qualifications for that position?” Mthembu said. “The SABC is a national treasure and we therefore need the best qualified people at the SABC.”

Acting SABC CEO, James Aguma, says that he and CFO Audrey Raphela took the decision to appoint Motsoeneng to his new position.  The rest of the board initially wanted him to return as acting COO from now until December.