HLAUDI Motsoeneng’s carefully crafted patronage network hangs in the balance as the SABC mulls what to do with him following another drubbing at the Supreme Court of Appeal.Motsoeneng was called magnanimous by South African musicians when as chief operating officer he introduced a 90% local-content rule at the public broadcaster’s radio stations; he was deemed reckless and a force of destruction by nongovernmental organisations and analysts who say he has ruled the SABC with an iron fist and stifled editorial freedom; and he is favoured by the powerful who have shielded him.The appellate court has thrown out his application for leave to appeal against a High Court in Cape Town judgment setting aside his appointment as chief operating officer, leaving the SABC to deal with a political hot potato.So far, the broadcaster has retreated and not pronounced on the latest setback as it charts its next move.All decisions Motsoeneng made prior to the appellate court’s ruling remain in place, ...

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