The SABC on Friday denied that its former chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motseneng had lied about his qualifications to the corporation.
Earlier this year, media reports asserted that Motseneng had been appointed acting COO despite not having a matric certificate.
“He did not lie to us when he was appointed... He was not dismissed for anything to do with his qualifications,” said SABC chairman Ben Ngubane.
“We are fully investigating the circumstances of his appointment,” he said.
Alwyn Klopper, from SABC news resources, said he had known Motseneng since 1995, when he was a news stringer.
“At the time, we were busy with transformation (at the SABC). We were looking for talent countrywide,” he said.
Kloppers said he had brought Motseneng to the attention of the Bloemfontein newsroom. Motseneng was subsequently appointed to permanent staff in March 1995.
“I asked him about his qualifications and he told me he did not have a matric,” Kloppers said.
Impressed by his commitment and passion, Kloppers recommended Motseneng despite his lack of formal education.
“There has never been an issue about his qualifications,” Klopper said. – Sapa