The African National Congress (ANC) played no part in the decision to end the contract of SABC news head Snuki Zikalala, the ruling party's treasurer-general Mathews Phosa said on Wednesday.

"It does not need any political interference and I think the further we stand from those decisions as politicians, the better," Phosa told SABC radio, adding that it was a "management decision".

"There's been complaints from political parties, for a long time there's been complaints, and South Africans know... A management decision was taken and we should respect the management decision."

The SABC announced on Tuesday that Zikalala, its head of news and current affairs, would leave the broadcaster at the end of the month.

Board chairperson Kanyi Mkonza said Zikalala had "surfed through difficult water". She said the board wanted someone with "fresh ideas".

Journalist Phil Molefe would take over from Zikalala in an acting capacity from May 1 while a replacement was sought.

Zikalala has been embroiled in controversy during his term, including reports that he had blacklisted political commentators critical of the government then led by Thabo Mbeki, that he had leaked confidential SABC information to newspapers, and allegations that he had undermined axed CEO Dali Mpofu.