Acting SABC CEO Nomsa Philiso on death of broadcaster's legal boss: 'We're losing people in critical areas'; 'we're becoming very thin with the losses, so it's difficult'.

Acting SABC CEO Nomsa Philiso, speaking at the funeral on Saturday of the SABC's legal boss Sizwe Vilakazi, said the beleaguered South African public broadcaster is losing people in critical areas.

Sizwe Vilakazi was gunned down and killed last Saturday night when he was shot and killed through the counter at the Madisenke Liquor Depot in Masinyane Street in Tsakane on the East Rand where he was helping out at the liquor store he co-owned with his father.

At the funeral, the now fired former controversial SABC chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng appeared and also spoke. The funeral was also attended by the new minister of communications, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.

At the funeral service on Saturday morning Nomsa Philiso said it's been a tough year for the SABC, with SABC staff dying nearly every month.

"We're losing people in critical areas, we're losing people in the core business. But the actually the operations - we're becoming very thin with the losses so it's difficult," Nomsa Philiso told SABC News.

"And this is over and above all our other challenges and still we expect our teams to rise - but I always say the one thing I always say about the SABC in the face of adversity and I'm hoping that they'll dig deep and one more time rise as they always do."

Sizwe Vilakazi was laid to rest at the Brakpan cemetery.

Sizwe Vilakazi, SABC's legal boss, shot and killed; was murdered in a Saturday night shooting incident.

Sizwe Vilakazi (42), the SABC's legal boss has been shot and killed. He was murdered in an as yet unexplained Saturday night shooting incident.

The SABC confirmed on Sunday morning that Sizwe Vilakazi, the SABC's head of legal services, has been shot dead on Saturday night. He died on the scene.

Sizwe Vilakazi was shot and killed through the counter at the Madisenke Liquor Depot,  2331 Masinyane Street in Tsakane on the East Rand at 20:30 on Saturday night, according to the police.

He was apparently helping out at the liquor store he co-owned with his father.

"It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Sizwe Vilakazi, the SABC's head of legal services. Sizwe Vilakazi was shot dead Saturday night," says SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.

"The SABC board, management, and staff sent heartfelt condolences to the Vilakazi family and friends. Vilakazi would be remembered for his immense contribution at the SABC. He was dedicated to his work and entrusted with a huge responsibility of heading the SABC's legal division."

"Sizwe Vilakazi was a remarkable legal mind with an exceptional intuition and work ethic. He led the corporation's legal division with unsurpassed talent and perseverance. He executed his duties without compromising the organisation's core values."

"His meaningful contribution to the SABC will remain and continue to inspire all who knew him in his personal and professional space. He will be deeply missed and may his soul rest in peace."

Sizwe Vilakazi worked at the SABC in various capacities.

Sizwe Vilakazi was hired as a senior legal advisor on 1 December 2008 and became head of legal services at the SABC from September 2016.

Details of Sizwe Vilakazi's memorial and funeral service is not yet known and has not been announced yet.