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Fin24 users say SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng and Communications Minister Faith Muthambi must quit their posts in order to salvage the public broadcaster.
On Tuesday, Motsoeneng said during a parliamentary briefing that the SABC is not apologetic and won’t be stopped by “the noise”.
READ: Hlaudi lashes out at opposition MPs over SABC 'noise'
“Why do people obsess about the SABC? Why so much interest? They shouldn’t be,” Motsoeneng said. “I don’t need to account to the them if they don’t give the SABC any money,” said Motsoeneng.
Motsoeneng was part of a delegation from the public broadcaster who briefed the portfolio committee on communications on the state of affairs at the national broadcaster.
The SABC has been mired in controversy because of a number of issues, including an editorial policy decision to ban the broadcasting of violent protests, the dismissal of eight journalists who had disagreed with the editorial decision and the refusal of Motsoeneng to step down, despite a number of court orders to do so.
Meanwhile, Fin24 users have expressed their displeasure over the situation.
Fin24 user Thilorthamay wrote:
“I think Hlaudi has a very bad attitude; he is there to please the people not to please himself. For goodness sake, get rid of the arrogant man!”
Fin24 user Eddie wrote:
“Hlaudi is very arrogant and runs the SABC like his party (ANC). He is trying by all means to please his bosses at Luthuli House at the expense of the public. The day is coming when he and Faith Muthambi will kiss the public broadcaster good bye.”
Fin24 user Mike said:
“If there have been court orders for Hlaudi Motsoeneng to step down, and he has not done so, why has he not been charged with contempt? Surely too, in the role of chief operations officer, he should not have been interfering with the editorial content of the SABC. Other people at the SABC are paid to do just that and are answerable to the board – and not to the COO. Hlaudi Motsoeneng seems to be acting as though the SABC is his personal fiefdom, and the courts, the board, the advertisers and the customers matter not.”
Fin24 user Michael said:
“I think Muthambi and Motsoeneng need to get the boot.”
Fin24 user Colin wrote:
“Excuse me but we do contribute to the SABC both through tax and tv licences? If the esteemed COO wants me to keep quiet then maybe I should stop paying both!”
Fin24 user Kirk wrote:
“It’s totally disgusting what is happening at the SABC. Basically this guy should be kicked out sooner rather than later. He’s acting a fool for everyone to see. And with no logic to back up anything he says.”
