Phil Molefe, the SABC's head of news was placed on special leave today by the public broadcaster's CEO, Lulama Mokhobo and I understand it will be for an undetermined period and that Phil Molefe's special leave has nothing to do with internal politics within the SABC's news divison where jockeying of positions are currently taking place because of the SABC's nascent TV news channel.
Jimi Matthews, the head of TV news at the SABC, will be taking over from Phil Molefe immediately as the acting head of news at the SABC. Phil Molefe was back at the SABC for just over a month; with his special leave kicking in immediately today.
Themba Mthembu remains the head of the SABC's project for the new 24 hour TV news channel the SABC wants to launch.
Kaizer Kganyago, SABC spokesperson, tells me Phil Molefe "is on special leave pending a discussion between him and the CEO Lulama Mokhobo. There is something they need to discuss. That discussion has to take place; as such Phil Molefe's special leave will not have timeframes. Jimi Matthews will act in Phil Molefe's place as the SABC's head of news.''
