Motsoeneng: The SABC is too 'little' for me
Controversial ousted SABC executive Hlaudi Motsoeneng has told the ANC Youth League in eThekwini that the SABC is 'little' for him, and that he is aiming to have an even bigger impact on South Africa, outside of his work at the public broadcaster.
Motsoeneng was speaking in public for the first time since damning testimony emerged at the Parliamentary portfolio committee on communication, probing the fitness of the SABC board to hold office.
The Western Cape High Court in Cape Town also recently ruled that Motsoeneng should not hold any position at the public broadcaster, but Motsoeneng told the Youth League that he is still an employee of the SABC, even though he doesn't have a title.
"If you go to the SABC, you realise that the 90% contribution and solution is Hlaudi. That is the reason why all these people are making noise, they know in those meetings I defeat them. "
Motsoeneng has in the past maintained that his decision to implement a policy at the SABC, whereby radio stations need to play 90% local music, is the reason why he is under fire from certain quarters. At the Parliamentary inquiry - Motsoeneng's name came up time and time again, with questions around his style of leadership and accusations that he disregarded good corporate governance.
But Motsoeneng says he couldn't possibly have taken all the decisions on his own.
"That would have meant I am the most powerful person in South Africa. One individual has taken all these decisions - even the (SABC) board they could not take decisions - one individual (took decisions). But if those decisions have assisted SABC to empower black people I am very proud. "
Motsoeneng also spoke out on social issues, alluding to the demand for free higher education.
"Everything can't be free. Because immediately when you give everyone bread every day, you are saying (to) these people they should not think about themselves. We need to come with our own innovation."
"If I don't have matric, I have come with so many innovations. Why can't other people do the same thing?"
Motsoeneng says he will not allow his background to become a stumbling block in his life.
"I can't say because I don't have a degree now I want to go and steal or rob the bank. I use my brain."