The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Congress of the People regards the R11 million golden handshake for Mr Dali Mpofu as an insult to hard working SABC officials who kept the public broadcaster operational during the protracted battle between the executive management and the previous SABC Board.

While there may be good reason why the SABC Interim Board had to get rid of the individual at any price, we trust that this settlement will not exonerate Mpofu from executive responsibility for the financial and managerial crisis that he leaves behind. The practice of massive payouts to erring and underperforming executives has become an endemic feature of public life, which no responsible society can tolerate.

COPE will insist that physical payment of the golden handshake be suspended until the current investigations by the Auditor General into the questionable management practices at the SABC has been completed. It is also imperative that Mr Mpofu should be compelled to provide full evidence and disclosure to the investigating auditors to avert suspicion that his silence was bought.

Unconditional payout of taxpayer's money for such a settlement would be financially and morally indefensible. It would be a travesty of justice if Mr Mpofu is allowed to simply walk away from all legal and financial responsibility for the financial disaster he leaves behind.