Special Tribunal to hear review application brought by SABC, SIU over Motsoeneng’s R2.5m ‘royalties scandal’

The Special Tribunal will on Monday, hear the review application brought by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as they seek to recover R2. 5 million paid by former COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng to musicians.

The SIU and the SABC’S application emanates from 2016, where it is alleged that Motsoeneng and the former executives took an “irrational decision” to award R50 000 to over 50 legendary musicians, under the organisation, SA Music Legends.

“The applicants seek to recover the amount and pray for an order to declare the decision invalid and set aside,” said the SIU on Twitter.

Both applicants allege that during 2016, Motsoeneng and the former executives took an irrational decision to award R50 000 each to about 50 musicians. The applicants seek to recover the amount and pray for an order to declare the decision invalid and set aside.

— Special Tribunal South Africa (@TribunalSpecial) March 11, 2022

The former SABC’s COO, has since opposed the application, as he argued at the time that the decision was to empower and offer a financial boost to the struggling musicians.

Meanwhile, the SA Music Legends have filed papers at the Special Tribunal seeking to support Motsoeneng, as they argued that he should not repay the amounts.

Amongst a list of notable legends who benefited from the R2.5 million disputed funds, includes of music legends such as Abigail Kubeka, Blondie Makhene, Mara Louw and the late Steve Kekana.

The SIU said these veterans were paid a once-off R50,000 for their role in the anti-apartheid struggle.

The hearing will be streamed live on the official social handles of the SIU at 10H00 am.