SABC board confirms Nicholson as GCEO

At a SABC board of directors meeting held yesterday, Monday, 25 October 2010, the board approved the reappointment of Robin Nicholson as acting GCEO, until such time that the disciplinary matter against Mokoetle has been finalised. The board expressed full confidence in Nicholson and his ability to lead the SABC at this time.

AG findings

The Board further considered the finding in the disciplinary matter against Nicholson on charges of misconduct flowing from the report of the Auditor General. Senior Counsel NA Cassim chaired Nicholson's disciplinary hearing and delivered the finding on 9 December 2009. Nicholson was found guilty on two of the five charges, not guilty on two others and negligent on one of the five charges.

The finding was of having infringed the application of the procurement policy in the manner in which Nicholson sought to retain existing service providers as well as the authorisation of payments for such services before a valid contract was in place.

The chairperson of the hearing could find no dishonesty on the part of Nicholson. Adv Cassim found that he was a man of integrity and dedicated to the services of the SABC. The recommended sanction was that of a formal written warning to endure for a period of nine months. The Board has accepted the finding of Adv. Cassim without reservation.