According to previous reports Cawekazi Mahlati, and again reiterated by dr Ben Ngubane to parliament's portfolio committee on communications yesterday, are allegedly a highly disruptive force in SABC board meetings and beyond.
Last month both the SABC board and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) indicated they want Cawe Mahlati gone - both passed a motion of no confidence in her. Cawekazi Mahlati allegedly tried to obtain tenders from the public broadcaster according to the SABC board and the CWU.
"It's a sad matter this; we thought we had turned the corner at the SABC, but the SABC board has degenerated into serious dysfunctionality, because one board member continuously attacks the company secretary and continuously attacks other board members,'" dr Ben Ngubane told parliament.
Dr Ben Ngubane told parliament that Cawekazi Mahlati campaigned for the removal of the acting chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng because he was blocking the processing of a tender she appeared to have had an interest in. "The minutes would show that this board member was punting Atos as a supplier, which would have cost us R500 million outside of proper tender procedures," said dr Ben Ngubane.
"There have been serious breaches of order at board meetings,so another two sets of votes of no confidence [in Cawe Mahlati] were taken," said dr. Ben Ngubane.
"This board is going to be highly dysfunctional as long as this member continues to be given the freedom to do what she wants," he said. He told parliament that the SABC board unanimously wants Cawekazi Mahlati gone and for parliament's portfolio committee on communications to suspend her and for the matter to be investigated.
Cawekazi Mahlati couldn't be reached for comment.
