Former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng Appeals High Court Ruling on R11.5 Million Payment

JOHANNESBURG – Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) former Chief Operating Officer, is appealing a 2021 High Court decision that ordered him to repay an R11.5 million “success fee.” The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), a government agency probing corruption, had challenged the award, arguing it was unlawful. Image Source: Former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Picture: Gallo Images/Netwerk24/Dlangamandla

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Motsoeneng maintains his innocence and has expressed confidence in his legal team’s ability to overturn the lower court’s ruling. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) will hear his application for leave to appeal next week.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy stems from a 2016 decision by the SABC board to award Motsoeneng the R11.5 million for his role in securing a deal with MultiChoice, a South African pay-TV operator. The SIU contended that the board lacked the authority to grant such a significant bonus and that the process lacked proper oversight.

In December 2021, the High Court sided with the SIU, declaring the award “unlawful and invalid.” Motsoeneng subsequently appealed this decision twice, with both the High Court and the SCA initially rejecting his request. However, he successfully petitioned the SCA president for a reconsideration, paving the way for next week’s hearing.

Motsoeneng’s Assertions

Motsoeneng asserts his confidence in the legal process and believes the SCA will ultimately rule in his favor. He has criticized the SIU and SABC’s arguments, suggesting they lack merit.

Next Steps

The SCA’s decision on whether to grant leave to appeal will be crucial. If granted, the court will then consider the merits of the case. This is a developing story, and further details are expected following next week’s hearing.

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