The vote of no confidence was sent to acting CEO Gab Mampone last week, accusing Naicker of nepotism, favouritism, bad management, misuse of SABC funds, selling advertising at heavily discounted rates and publishing inconsistent tariffs in rate cards.
General manger of human resources: commercial enterprise, Lene Chamberlaine, has been implicated as Naicker’s accomplice. The staffers have requested that both Naicker and Chamberlaine be removed from their posts permanently.
The public broadcaster last week that it has a deficit of R784-million. The Communications Workers’ Union’s national bargaining co-ordinator, Vukile Ntuluki, says much of this deficit is a result of Naicker’s “irregular” financial activities. “We have the evidence to prove this. The morale of workers at the SABC is very, very low at the moment. Many of them are doubting their job security.”
Allegations against Naicker include:
- Nepotism: Cited is the appointment of Naicker’s brother, Nishalan Naicker, as an account executive in Durban; Anusha Naicker appointed as a training manager at Airtime Sales; and another four people appointed to SABC TV sales without proper procedure being followed.
- The implementation of the APEX strategy without proper consultation of staff. Naicker’s strategy aimed to reward top clients while targeting smaller advertisers. This put more pressure on staff to perform, causing unhappiness and potentially affecting earnings.
- The classic sales and sponsorship departments were integrated under the leadership of Naicker. As a result, the sponsorship department did not make target and the move was later reversed.
- The central booking system was not implemented with proper consultation with major stakeholders. Some campaigns were not booked and some were booked twice, which was detrimental to the SABC’s finances.
- April rate cards are still not out in the market.
- Wasteful expenditure in the form of unnecessary overseas trips and 5-star accommodation in hotels.
Naicker says the claims are all “hog-wash. It’s ridiculous and false”.
SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says Mampone has appointed a four-person committee to deal with the matter. “We will take the necessary steps once we have received a memo from the committee.”
