The COO and the False Matric

There is a saying that sometimes real life is stranger than fiction. Often in South Africa this is the case. For those of you who do not know, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is the public broadcaster- it sends out television as well as radio media. 

It goes without saying that this is a big entity with billions of Rands flowing through it and a large responsibility to provide good programming for the money spent. It would then seem obvious (well in my logic anyway) that those placed in charge of such a massive entity, would be well qualified to do the job.

Well, this is where our train jumps off the rails somewhat.

Now, the SABC needs a permanent Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is a position that is ranked second in the whole operation. A high ranking job, with loads of responsibility. It would follow then that the person for the job would be appropriately qualified and have the relevant experience. 

The SABC is said to have launched a 3 day internal recruitment process, tailor made to fit the acting COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. (Pictured above)This is where it gets interesting. 

For the post, educational qualifications are irrelevant! Indeed, this is because the acting COO does not even possess a matric (grade 12) certificate. Not only this, but Motsoeneng has been complicated by auditing firm KPMG in a probe. It is said he lied about having a matric certificate when applying for the job at the SABC in the first place. Having said this, Motsoeneng is a proud and open supporter of Jacob Zuma, which in itself is a kind of qualification in those circles. 

I am not judging him on the job he is currently doing as a temporary COO, but lying about qualification is an offense that usually gets you fired, not made permanent. It is a reflection on your character. 

The communications minister, Dina Pule ( see above), has now jumped in and stated that the COO must be appointed by proper process-placing this 'push through' appointment process on hold. In the end, she makes the final appointment. 

Another classic- the Communication Workers Union (CWU) agrees with the proper appointment process, but still insists on Motsoeneng for the job. They will also, in time, 'name and shame' people who spread 'destructive stories' in the organization. 

Then we wonder why there is nothing to watch or repeats on our TV sets every night. Or the programs we watch are so old, that those acting in them have long retired.