Special Investigating Unit (SIU)

Cape Town, 24 April 2025, 10:23 AM SAST – Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Advocate Andy Mothibi has urged a focused and pointed approach to prevent fraud and corruption at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Speaking during a briefing to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on Wednesday, Mothibi highlighted the need for a robust prevention plan to address the public broadcaster’s ongoing scandals. The investigations, rooted in proclamations from 2010 and 2017, have uncovered deep issues, including the irregular R11 million “success fee” paid to former Chief Operating Officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng and billions in irregular expenditure, signaling a critical moment for the SABC’s recovery.

A History of Scandal at the SABC

The SABC has faced a storm of controversy in recent years, making it a focal point for the SIU’s efforts. Among the issues are the controversial R11 million “success fee” awarded to Hlaudi Motsoeneng, a payment later deemed irregular, alongside a staggering R2.4 million in Legends Payments and probes into at least eight contracts. These include the contentious sale of SABC archives to MultiChoice, raising questions about transparency and accountability. The investigations, spanning over a decade under proclamations issued in 2010 and 2017, reveal a pattern of financial mismanagement that has eroded public trust in the broadcaster.

Mothibi described the SIU’s approach as “intense,” mirroring the deep dives into governance and maladministration at other state-owned enterprises (SOEs). “We have taken the approach that we did at SABC… to do a deep dive in terms of governance investigation and maladministration at all the state institutions that we are investigating particularly the SOEs,” he said. This consistent strategy underscores the SIU’s commitment to rooting out corruption across the public sector.

A Call for a Prevention Plan

Mothibi emphasized the urgency of a tailored prevention strategy, stating, “We… are of the view that we need a focused approach to come up with a focused prevention plan that will assist the corporation going forward.” He has engaged with the current Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Nomsa Chabeli to accelerate this process, aiming to implement an overarching plan to safeguard the SABC’s future. The SIU head’s push reflects a recognition that past efforts have been reactive, not preventive, leaving the broadcaster vulnerable.

During the SCOPA briefing, SIU Chief National Investigations Officer Zodwa Xesibe detailed findings that point to systemic flaws. She highlighted the bypassing of policies and procedures by the SABC Board and senior managers, which fueled financial troubles. “Controls were repetitively bypassed through management override, collusion or abuse of power between those in power, or inaction and passiveness from other officials,” Xesibe noted. This culture of abuse has led to unethical behavior, costing the SABC dearly and necessitating urgent reform.

Building an Ethical Culture

Xesibe outlined steps to foster an ethical turnaround at the SABC. She called for a culture that encourages “honest discussions surrounding ethics and ethical challenges with one another and their managers.” Empowering employees by explaining what constitutes unethical behavior—along with its consequences—is key. She also stressed the need to inform staff of their rights and encourage reporting before issues spiral out of control.

Protecting whistleblowers is another priority. “Protections for whistleblowers must also be provided to encourage employees to report problems and… foster an organisation that is ethical from top to bottom,” Xesibe said. This move could help uncover hidden wrongdoing, a persistent challenge given the SABC’s history. Management must lead by example, identifying negative behaviors and replacing them with positive changes to enforce policies and model ethical conduct.

Zero tolerance for non-compliance with internal controls is central to Xesibe’s vision. “Zero tolerance action to abuse or non-compliance with internal controls should be prioritised, as this would address the culture of abuse and management override in the SABC,” she added. This approach aims to rebuild trust and ensure the broadcaster operates with integrity.

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