By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has launched an investigation after some freelance contracts were found to be irregular, corrupt and fraudulent.
It’s alleged that close to two dozen ghost workers have been drawing a salary from the SABC over the past six months, making the public broadcaster the latest parastatal to lodge an investigation into the matter.
However, in a statement released on Sunday (17 December), the SABC said it has noted with concern the contents of an anonymous email on social media regarding the payment of ‘ghost workers’ at the SABC News division.
“In this regard, the Corporation would like to set the record straight on this matter and confirm that the SABC Group Executive for News and Current Affairs, Moshoeshoe Monare, has launched an extensive investigation into freelance contracts that turned out to be irregular, corrupt and fraudulent,” it said.
The SABC also noted that one of the managers under investigation tendered their resignation with immediate effect, while other staff members are facing disciplinary processes.
“The matter is addressed within the SABC’s human resources policies and will also be referred to the other relevant authorities for further investigation,” it said.
The SABC added it would also like to appeal to the public to refrain from distributing fake emails that contain unverified information.
Monare said they have indeed uncovered at least three ghost employees that were paid over the six-month period; however, he added that he could not say whether this is the true number as the investigation is still ongoing.
Addressing the allegations implicating himself, Monare noted that he is still looking into the origin of the email before he responds as he is unsure as to what he is being accused of.
However, he did say that all irregular or fraudulent contracts are being terminated with immediate effect, and other cases are being forwarded to the relevant police divisions.
Another SOE that has been dogged by ghost workers include the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) which last year uncovered 3 000 ghost employees.