SABC COO search, Post Office CEO departure: DoC speaks

The Department of Communications issued a statement today (30 January 2012) in which they say the Minister of Communications, Dina Pule, has requested that the SABC suspend its search for a new chief operating officer.

Pule also supports the South African Post Office’s speedy resolution of the dispute with its outgoing chief executive officer, Motshoanetsi Lefoka.

The full statement follows below:

The Minister of Communications, Ms Dina Pule, became aware of the process that the SABC intended to follow to appoint a Chief Operating Officer for the broadcaster on Friday, 27 January 2012.

The Minister immediately requested the Board to suspend the current search and to follow a normal and wider executive appointment process. After this engagement, Minister Pule is satisfied that the SABC board will handle all processes of appointments accordingly. The Minister remains committed to assisting the SABC to fill the vacant top posts as soon as possible.

In addition, Minister Pule has also noted the stories about the settlement between the South African  Post Office (SAPO) and it’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Ms Motshoanetsi Lefoka.

The Minister supports the SAPO board for finalising the dispute in a timely and professional manner. The details of the agreement between the SA Post Office and Ms Lefoka are subject to legal processes and guidelines . A public disclosure of the terms of the settlement at this stage would constitute a breach of this agreement.

Minister Pule is committed to ensuring that all State-Owned Enterprises that report to the Department have stable leadership and  that are sustainable. She believes that this is the only way in which SOEs can provide the quality of service the South African citizens deserve.