The SABC is taking action against 13 music compilers implicated in illegal practices, including “payola”.
According to the City Press, SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the employees were named in a forensic report.
They face disciplinary hearings for various charges, including payola – the “illegal practice of broadcasting recordings, particularly songs, on commercial radio and presenting the song as part of the scheduled broadcast in exchange for a bribe”.
The report stated that the music compilers were paid by artists for their songs to be played on air.
“The hearing was not about payola in particular, but a workshop that took place and our own people [the music compilers] went to attend,” said Kganyago.
“They went to a workshop organised by 999 boss Arthur Mafokate and they were allegedly given money, but we don’t know what the money was paid for.”
An SABC source told the newspaper that payola was not a new problem at the broadcaster, but evidence to prove it is hard to come by.
The City Press stated that artists previously complained to the SABC about the issue, and that they had to pay R20,000 to ensure music compilers scheduled their music to play on air.
The news comes days after the SABC received a new board, appointed by President Jacob Zuma.