Earthquake at SABC as Dali, Snuki suspended
By: Issa Sikiti da Silva
The suspension yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, 6 May 2008, of SABC head of news and current affairs Snuki Zikalala by CEO Dali Mpofu and late last night of Mpofu himself by the SABC board has opened a can of worms containing allegations of back-stabbing, ‘spying', hidden agendas, political factionalism, power struggles, incompetence and has perhaps pushed the corporation to its lowest level of its 71-year history. “A major earthquake strong enough to blow this tall building is shaking the company and we are all diving for cover,” an SABC top source told Bizcommunity.com.
“I do not even know where to start, but believe me very big and very serious things are happening here which you guys are out there do not understand,” the source, which spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said emotionally.
“Everyone is trying to push his or her own agenda and we do not know anymore who is who and where and how it will end. Definitely, politics has turned our SABC into a child custody drama where two parents are fighting for full control and unlimited access.
“Power shift”“The power shift at Luthuli House (ANC headquarters) means the ship must change direction if it has to sail smoothly and while Snuki understands that, Mpofu seems to be dragging his feet.
“They are at war because Dali believes Snuki is a rebel who is now sleeping with the enemy and using unconventional means to overthrow his regime. But whatever he does, Dali's days are numbered as big guns out there want him out.”
As the group executive was locked in a heated meeting to discuss who will lead the news department for now, the board was also plotting Mpofu's downfall, announcing later into the freezing night that the CEO has been suspended for ‘professional disobedience'.
But the board itself - controversially appointed by President Thabo Mbeki - could be sent packing as it faces a storm, mistrust and a vote of non-confidence inspired by those seen as sympathising with the new Luthuli House bosses.
Jane Duncan, of the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), an organisation labelled by Mpofu as a bunch of right-wingers, said, “What is unfolding clearly demonstrates that the SABC is in a serious crisis, perhaps necessary to help it remake its image.
“Got away with murder”“For too long they got away with murder, have conducted in a disgraceful and unaccountable manner and their inconceivable behaviour has now come back to haunt them.
“And when different power blocs blame each other it just means that the chickens are coming home to roost. Well, it is not clear if the board's appointed acting CEO will reinstate Snuki or appoint someone to lead until the Snuki case is over. We will just have to wait and see what happens.”
With Zikalala suspended, the news and current affairs department is now in limbo.
But SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, who was attending the group executive meeting last night, denied that the gathering was specially called to discuss Snuki's suspension. “This is just a routine meeting of the group executive and has nothing to do with Snuki.
“It is not fair to say the news department is in limbo. The operations will continue to run smoothly as usual until someone is appointed on a temporary basis. We cannot name that person through the media whereas he or she does not know anything.”
Headed toward exit doorAnd as the battle for the SABC's soul intensifies, another insider said that talented and key people are heading toward the exit door.
“Many people are demoralised and anguished by this sad saga and are leaving or planning to resign. It is true that an earthquake is tearing the public broadcaster apart. There is a sense of an era ending at the SABC. Dali's days at the SABC are numbered as top people out there with the real power want him out. If I were him, I would leave peacefully.
“This is only the beginning. More back-stabbers and spies will be uncovered as time goes and more heads will roll. And perhaps the whole board and management will be wiped out, leaving employees directionless and the company on the edge of breaking point,” the insider concluded.
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More...ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Issa Sikiti da Silva is a freelance journalist and short stories writer whose work has been published in local and foreign publications, both in English and French. He contributes to Bizcommunity.com as a news writer. Email him at
issa@bizcommunity.com.
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