SABC chairperson Ellen Tshabalala refuses to step down, amid allegations of fraudulent qualifications.
At a media briefing today, Tshabalala said she has done nothing wrong. “I’m not prepared to step down because I am not guilty of anything,” Tshabalala told the media in Johannesburg on 8 December.
The removal of the chairperson from office, comes after an inquiry into whether she lied about her academic qualifications, found her guilty on charges of misconduct.
She said evidence given by the University of SA (Unisa) executive director for legal services Jan van Wyk at the committee inquiry was “hearsay”.
Her lawyer Michael Tillney said the committee’s decision was proceduraly unfair and would be reviewed.
He initially said Tshabalala’s legal team would probably seek leave to appeal the committee’s decision, but later said such an application was filed even before the committee sat.
Tshabalala told reporters that Unisa was having problems with its records and computer system and they could not be trusted.
Van Wyk told the inquiry that its records showed that although Tshabalala registered for a BCom degree and a Labour Relations Diploma, she failed to obtain either.
Tshabalala has been given 14 working days to respond to the committee’s report, which contains its findings and recommendations.
Both documents will then be sent to National Assembly for approval.
The charge of misconduct against Tshabalala relates to her stating on her CV that she had obtained the two qualifications when she applied for the job as SABC chairperson.
Details: Kaizer Kgayago (Sabc Spokesperson) 082 306 8888.
