Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Picture: MARTIN RHODES
Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Picture: MARTIN RHODES

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SOUTH African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng could take the hot seat today when a disciplinary hearing about his falsified academic qualifications convenes.

On Sunday, the SABC sent a court order to Mr Motsoeneng’s attorney, Zola Majavu, informing him that the hearing will continue on Monday at 8am.

Mr Motsoeneng’s disciplinary process began after a report by the Public Protector Thuli Madonsela found that he had falsified his academic qualifications, inflated his salary from R1.5m to R2.4m in one year, and purged staff.

Last week, advocate William Mokhari, who was chairing the hearing, terminated it abruptly.

He said a high court ruling that Mr Motsoeneng’s appointment as the broadcaster’s chief operating officer be set aside had changed the circumstances.

“My ruling was clear that the hearing can’t continue because the judgment of the Western Cape has set aside his appointment,” said Mr Mokhari.

“He is no longer the chief operating officer; the position is vacant. So, on that basis I can’t continue with the hearing.”

Mr Mokhari said he had not been informed by the SABC about the reconvened hearing.

Last month, Cape Town High Court Judge Dennis Davis said Mr Motsoeneng’s appointment was “irrational and unlawful”.

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi said she would appeal, and the broadcaster’s lawyers are expected to do the same.

Ms Madonsela’s spokesman, Oupa Segalwe, said yesterday the public protector believed the High Court judgment did not supercede the hearing.