"Management under the leadership of Jimi Matthews, the acting head of news and current affairs commenced the process of finding a political editor earlier in the year following years of the position being vacant," says Kaizer Kganyago, SABC spokesperson.
"Shortlisted candidates were invited to participate in the interview process and it was from there that Abbey Makoe was successful and recommended for appointment."
Abbey Makoe has been the SABC's political editor in 2007 and 2008, but resigned in 2008.
"The appointment of Abbey makoe was a strategic move which will assist the corporation in filling key positions in the SABC's news department with talented and experienced personnel," says Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the SABC's acting chief operations officer (COO). "Management is confident of his ability to execute his set duties and will offer him the necessary support."
"The appointment comes at an opportune time as the SABC will be launching its 24 hour news channel soon," says Kaizer Kganyago. "It also signals the beginning of a new era in the news department, an era of excellence in journalism and news coverage."
Meanwhile the SABC is still without its permanent head of news, Phil Molefe, who can't steer the establishment of the SABC's 24-hour news channel which is being set up with financial help from MultiChoice. Phil Molefe has been placed on "special leave" in April and face a disciplinary hearing with the SABC's CEO Lulama Mokhobo.
Previous dates for the disciplinary hearing has constantly been postponed over the past few months, and no new hearing date has yet been set.
