Resignation of SABC boss welcomed
James Aguma's decision to pack his bags and leave the public broadcaster has been described as a step in the right direction.
But the Democratic Alliance has cautioned that his decision to end his disciplinary proceedings, does not mean he is going to be let off the hook for the part he played in the institutions's breakdown.
The party says the former acting Chief Executive faces serious accusations, including tender irregularities and overseeing massive fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
The party says Aguma's exit stresses the urgent need for National Assembly Speaker, Baleka Mbete, to table the report into those who lied during the SABC Inquiry.
Meanwhile party COPE, says Aguma's resignation was long overdue.
The party says Aguma was clearly incompetent and displayed serious unprofessional conduct.
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COPE says Aguma must be held accountable for the losses incurred by his reckless and unethical conduct.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says Aguma and Hlaudi Motsoeneng have over the years enjoyed the protection of ministers like Faith Muthambi and president Jacob Zuma.
The party has welcomed Aguma's resignation, saying the public broadcaster must recover some monies from him.
Meanwhile Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) expressed its shock by the resignation of James Aguma.
Scopa Chairperson, Themba Godi has labelled Aguma a coward saying his resignation is an admission of guilt.
"We are shocked that Aguma opted for the coward's way instead of clarifying to the nation what had happened. We accept that his resignation is actually an admission of guilt," Godi says.
He adds that Aguma's resignation does not absolve him of criminal liability related to irregular and wasteful expenditure at the public broadcaster
"We are calling on the SABC to expedite the work of its internal forensic audit unit that is supposed to investigate the irregular expenditure," he says.
The SABC interim board has meanwhile accepted Aguma's resignation.
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Board chairperson Khanyisile Kweyama briefed the media on Wednesday after Aguma tendered his resignation during the fifth day of his disciplinary hearing in Sandton.
"We can confirm that Mr James Aguma did tender his resignation this morning, at the time of his suspension Mr Aguma was the CFO," Kweyema said.
She says the announcement of Aguma's resignation was made at his disciplinary hearing and is with immediate effect.