Another win for accountability at the SABC, Thanks to the SIU

For the SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition, the recent High Court ruling mandating the tech company, Infonomix to forfeit R4.5 million is a commendable step to restoring accountability where the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is concerned. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which recently found that a tender awarded in 2016 to Infonomix was without a competitive bidding process and in violation of the SABC’s policies, has, through the courts ordered the tech company “to pay back the money”. 

The SOS Coalition commends the SIU for pursuing accountability for corruption and maladministration at the SABC. The SIU and the South African Courts have been consistent in recouping monies the SABC has been defrauded of. The SIU has been in the forefront of investigations related to irregular decisions that took place during the Hlaudi era. 

Following an SIU investigation in 2024, the court ordered Hlaudi Motsoweneng, former SABC Chief Operations Officer to pay back with interest the R11.5 million paid to him as a “success fee”. Again, in 2025 the court ordered former SABC board members who were involved in approving the unlawful “success fee” to also pay back the money – holding them accountable for their unlawful decision making. 

The SABC is more than a broadcaster, it is a vital democratic institution, and this form of accountability goes a long way in enforcing proper governance processes at the public broadcaster.  The governance failures, maladministration and politically driven decisions have historically weakened the SABC and eroded public trust and credibility. Court judgments of this nature are exemplary and set good precedence for accountability at the SABC while also serving as a strong measure for safeguarding the SABC from future maladministration and governance failures. The SOS Coalition believes that a strong, independent and accountable SABC is essential for South Africa’s democracy. 

The SOS Coalition hopes that the SABC has, through its internal disciplinary processes, taken action against the supply chain management staff members who were involved in the irregular tender bidding process. It is critical that those responsible are held accountable to reinforce a culture of integrity and zero tolerance for tender fraud and at the public broadcaster. 

We commend the SIU and the courts for upholding accountability in one of South Africa’s most important public institutions. We urge all stakeholders, including Parliament, civil society, and the public, to continue holding the SABC accountable and to ensure that transparency, integrity, and good governance prevail.

For more information contact: 

SOS National Coordinator 

Uyanda Siyotula 

060 691 2462