SIU welcomes ruling forcing former SABC board members to pay R11.5m

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said it will carry out the High Court order against former South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board members, to ensure the recovery of funds.

This after the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, ordered three former SABC board members to pay back R11 508 549.12 tied to their unlawful decision to pay former SABC CEO Hlaudi Motsoeneng a success fee.

The order, granted by Judge Allyson Crutchfield, compels Mbulaheni Obert Maguvhe, Ndivhoniswani Aaron Tshidzumba, and Maleshane Audrey Raphela to pay the amount and interest from the date of service of summons, jointly and severally.

The former SABC board members are also liable for the SIU's legal costs.

Previously, Motsoeneng was the only individual liable for paying the R11.5-million.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the agency would also refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

"This ruling is a crucial enforcement action stemming from the broader litigation concerning the unlawful R11.5-million 'success fee' paid to Motsoeneng. The then SABC board paid the fee in August 2016 for his role in securing the MultiChoice deal, a decision subsequently declared unlawful and invalid by the High Court," he explained.

He said under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU was also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

This would be to "protect the public interest and assets through prevention measures and systemic investigations to eradicate fraud, maladministration, and corruption," he said.