Phil Molefe

Phil Molefe
Born
Thabo Philip Molefe

Sharpeville, Gauteng, South Africa
Occupations
  • Journalist
  • Media executive
Known forControversy at SABC
Parents

Thabo Philip Molefe is a South African media executive who served as CEO of the state public broadcaster SABC.

Early life

Molefe was born and raised in Sharpeville, South Africa. He is the son of Philip Molefe, a Pentecostal apostle and evangelist, and Rose Mngoma, a schoolteacher and community leader.[1]

Career

Molefe began his career working for the Weekly Mail, which later became the Mail & Guardian. He joined SABC in the 1990s, and was appointed head of SABC News.

In 2011, Molefe was appointed acting group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the SABC during a time of financial and organizational turmoil. His appointment was viewed[by whom?] as a stabilizing move for the broadcaster, as he advocated for structural reforms, particularly around the SABC’s funding model. He emphasized the need for a sustainable public broadcasting system.

Molefe was suspended by SABC in 2012,[2] following allegations of political meddling, which he denied.[3] Molefe was accused of favoring certain political figures in news coverage, and was in legal disputes with the broadcaster. These disputes culminated in his departure from the SABC in 2012,[4][5] accompanied by reports of a settlement of R2.4 million (US$134,000), which he later disputed.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Mother Rose to be laid to rest". sowetanlive.co.za. January 28, 2009.
  2. ^ Phamodi, Sekoetlane Jacob (July 25, 2012). "Molefe's hearing – an opportunity to save SABC's editorial independence?". themediaonline.co.za.
  3. ^ "'Molefe axed controversial bulletins'". Mail & Guardian. September 3, 2010.
  4. ^ "SABC won't pay out former CEO Molefe". Mail & Guardian. February 10, 2012.
  5. ^ Sidimba, Loyiso. "Golden handshake for SABC's Phil Molefe". iol.co.za.
  6. ^ "Molefe denies receiving R2.4m golden handshake from SABC". Mail & Guardian. October 6, 2013.