Hlaudi Motsoeneng not going down without a fight, CCMA saga continues

Hlaudi Motsoeneng believes that his dismissal from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) should be set aside, as his lawyer produce their closing arguments before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

Motsoeneng was the nightmare the SABC wishes was all just a figment of its imagination. Unfortunately, the damage caused by the former chief operating officer was very real, with the wounds still lingering more than a year after his dismissal.

Read: Hlaudi Motsoeneng believes he will be the next president of South Africa

Motsoeneng’s despotic rule brought the national broadcaster to its knees. The former broadcasting boss was involved in numerous scandals, ranging from salary irregularities to unfair dismals.

Motsoeneng approaches the CCMA

Ironically, an unfair dismal is the exact issue being heard before the CCMA on Thursday 15 August. This time, however, it’s Motsoeneng who’s appearing before the tribunal, as opposed to some of his former employees.

It’s a strange, yet fresh, breath of justice in a country suffocated by corruption and nepotism. While the outcome of the hearing hangs in the balance, and the purpose of the process itself being questioned, it’s satisfying to see Motsoeneng sweat.

According to News24, the former COO of the SABC has hired elite lawyers tasked with exonerating him of any wrongdoing.

Motsoeneng was duly dismissed by the public broadcaster in June 2017, following an internal disciplinary hearing which found him guilty of gross misconduct. His contract was torn up, and so ensued a lengthy court battle, with the spurned ex-boss of the SABC attempting to recover costs and clear his name.

Hlaudi confident in the process

Ahead of his CCMA hearing, Motsoeneng remains stoic, confident in the process, yet precautionary with his predictions.

Motsoeneng has maintained his faith in his legal counsel and the ongoing procedure, saying:

“What I know is that my legal team is ready, and I am happy with the work they have done but I do not want to predict what the commissioner will decide. I need to respect the CCMA processes.”

Last year the Labour Court found Motsoeneng liable for legal costs relating to a court case involving the SABC’s ban on protest coverage.

This censorship, under Motsoeneng’s guidance, led to the dismal of eight SABC journalists who protested the unjust working conditions.