South African Court Orders Former SABC Board Members to Repay R11.5 M

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a High Court ruling ordering three former South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board members to pay back R11.5 million linked to an unlawful “success fee” granted to former SABC Chief Operating Officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng.

The Court Ruling

On October 2, 2025, the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division (Johannesburg), handed down a default judgment against:

• Mbulaheni Obert Maguvhe

• Ndivhoniswani Aaron Tshidzumba

• Maleshane Audrey Raphela

Judge Crutchfield ordered them to repay R11,508,549.12 plus interest, jointly and severally, and cover the SIU’s legal costs.

Background

The fee was unlawfully paid in August 2016, when the SABC Board approved a payout to Motsoeneng for his role in securing a MultiChoice broadcasting deal. A previous court ruling declared the decision unlawful and invalid. Initially, Motsoeneng alone was held liable for repayment. This new judgment extends accountability to the board members who approved the payment.

SIU’s Response

The SIU said the ruling is a major step in ensuring accountability and recovery of public funds:

Under the SIU Act, the agency is empowered to pursue civil action and refer evidence of possible crimes to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Protecting Public Assets

The SIU stressed that this ruling reinforces its mandate to protect public assets and fight corruption, maladministration, and fraud across state institutions.