Fans of Robert Marawa's Metro FM sports show have been rejoicing about the news that he would be returning to his popular sports show but his appointment has already been marred with controversy.
New SABC chief operating officer Chris Maroleng and acting group executive for sports Marcia Mahlalela have been charged for their role in the re-appointment of Robert Marawa following the completion of an investigation into the appointment instituted by former acting CEO Nomsa Philiso.
According to Sunday World, Philiso received complaints from internal staff who alleged that the appointment did not follow the correct procedures. They also alleged that it was put into motion said executives. Mahlalela reportedly tendered her resignation from the SABC with immediate effect after she was charged.
Among Mahlalela's charges are:
- demoting her junior for refusing to draft a memorandum motivating for Marawa's appointment
- signing the contract with Marawa without involving sports finance to check if there was a budget to fund the contract
- neglect of her fiduciary duties for allegedly agreeing to a fee of R7000 per show for Marawa, which will cost the SABC R5.5-million over three years
"The SABC can confirm that the investigation into the process of appointment of Mr Robert Marawa has been finalised. The implicated officials will be afforded an opportunity to give their side of the story. The SABC is therefore not in a position to comment further as this is an internal matter," said SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago.
Maroleng, on the other hand, is set to face charges of interfering with the appointment and allegations that he failed to declare his friendship with Marawa.
Maroleng and Mahlalela have refused to comment on the matter and have left that all up to Kganyago.
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Main image credit: instagram.com/robert_marawa