Johannesburg - The SABC has been asked to suspend its search
for a chief operating officer, the communication ministry said on Monday.
Communications Minister Dina Pule had made the request to
the board after reading a newspaper report on the process being followed to
fill the position, said ministry spokesman Siyabulela Qoza.
"The minister immediately requested the board to
suspend the current search and to follow a normal and wider executive
appointment process," he said.
"She wants to make sure the process is fair and that
all applicants are considered." Qoza said he did not know if the SABC had
acted on Pule's request.
Sapa was unable to reach SABC spokesperson Kaiser Kganyago
on Monday afternoon.
The Sunday Independent reported that Hlaudi Motsoeneng, who
was "an ANC deployee at the SABC" and a supporter of President Jacob
Zuma, was set to get the job.
The position, the second most powerful post at the
organisation, had been advertised only internally and applicants had been given
just three working days to apply, the newspaper reported.
Motsoeneng was apparently going to receive the job despite
not having a matric certificate or top management experience. SABC chief
executive Lulama Mokhobo reportedly said a matric certificate was not a
requirement for the post.
The Communication Workers' Union (CWU) has called for
Motsoaneng's permanent appointment.
He had the CWU's support because he had worked for the SABC
since the 1990s and "understood the needs and frustrations of
journalists", union spokesperson Matankana Mothapo said.
"He has always been a fine worker and, since his
appointment as acting COO, he has made changes for the better," Mothapo
said in an interview.
The union represents 50 000 workers in the information,
communications and technology sector.
Qoza said Pule had also noted media reports on the
settlement between the SA Post Office (Sapo) and its outgoing chief executive
Motshoanetsi Lefoka.
Last week, Sapo said it reached a "mutually agreed
separation" from Lefoka, but declined to comment on the details of
agreement.
"The details of the agreement between Sapo and Ms
Lefoka are subject to legal processes and guidelines. A public disclosure of
the terms of the settlement at this stage would constitute a breach of this
agreement," Qoza said.