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SANBI board chairperson resigns

11 Sep 2013

The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa released a statement on Wednesday afternoon, 11 September, announcing the resignation of Tami Sokutu, chairperson of the SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) board. The minister notes that his resignation has come after allegations of him being under the influence of alcohol at the 2013 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London were brought to light.

In discussing these allegations with Sokutu, the minister and Sokutu agreed that he should be released from his position as chairperson of the board.

Minister Molewa has also considered the fact that Sokutu had recently been on sabbatical leave, which in some ways did not allow him to effectively fulfill his role as the chairperson of the board.

"As a trained botanist, ex-public servant and a businessman, he contributed to the great success that SANBI has achieved in the implementation of its programmes. During his tenure as chairperson, Sokutu never accepted any board fees, which have been used for staff development and improvement, at his request," reads the release.

Sokutu served as chairperson for the past six years. Minister Molewa has appointed Nana Magomola to act as chairperson while the process of appointment of a new chairperson is followed.