The SABC confirms to me that Thelma Melk is gone. Thelma Melk was suspended in September 2011, allegedly for ''poor work performance''.
Before the suspension which made headlines last year, Thelma Melk had been linked to controversy at the SABC before, where she was an international jetsetter before the broadcaster clamped down. Besides other international locales, Thelma Melk jetted to Los Angeles, first class, on a so-called ''content purchasing visit'' with a ticket that cost the SABC R175 000 and which made waves in 2009.
''The SABC can confirm that Ms. Melk is no longer with the company. However we cannot divulge the terms of the settlement as it was a matter between employer and employee,'' Kaizer Kganyago, SABC spokesperson told me.
Jane Mbatia has been appointed as the SABC's new acting company secretary until a permanent appointment is made. ''Please note that the position has been advertised,'' says the SABC.
Thelma Melk as company secretary at the SABC was one of the public broadcaster's top earners with a remuneration package of R1,75 million according to the SABC's latest stated financial year report.
If Thelma Melk's R3,2 million payout is correct, compare that to the golden hand-shake that the axed SABC group CEO Solly Mokoetle got of R3,4 million.
