The SABC members present at the parliamentary inquiry today staged a walk out during proceedings, without stating any reasons or pre-warnings.
Just seconds before the Auditor General started giving its evidence in the inquiry into the SABC board’s fitness to hold office, Professor Mbulaheni Maguvhe was approached and the signal was given for the rest of the team, including CEO James Aguma and GE of Corporate Affairs, Hlaudi Motsoeneng and others, to stand up and walk out.
By the looks of things, the walk out was planned.
Earlier on, the inquiry was halted when the ad hoc committee had to deliberate on whether or not to proceed with the hearing, given the fact that Maguvhe had launched an appeal against his dismissed interdict against the inquiry last week.
The public broadcaster’s lawyers further complicated matters when they stated that Maguvhe did not have a copy of the Auditor General and Public Protector reports, which are being given as evidence today.
The committee decided to proceed regardless.
Video: SABC delegation walks out committee proceedings | https://t.co/wrtQjl2Ccm #SABC #SABCinquiry pic.twitter.com/7x5hlngiEf
— ANN7 (@ANN7tv) December 7, 2016
After failing to stall the work of the committee, Maghuve, Motsoeneng & Aguma stage a dramatic walkout. We continue with our work! ????????✊????
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) December 7, 2016
FYI: the SABC’s walkout does not affect the work of the committtee. We’re being briefed today by the AG, PP & ICASA, not SABC. #SABCinquiry
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) December 7, 2016