Instability has once again settled within SABC, the South Africa state-owned audiovisual group. Appointed just four months ago as the company’s Director General, Frans Matlala was suspended on November 18, 2015, by the group’s board of directors. Frans Matlala is SABC’s 9^th CEO since 2009.

The reasons for the dismissal were not given. However, the group’s spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, stated that an investigation was ongoing; without revealing its subject. He added that Information’s director himself, Jimi Matthews would be the one replacing Frans Matlala as interim Director General.

Explanations are being required by the South African parliament. The Democratic Alliance party called Minister of Communication, Faith Muthambi, to answer for Frans Matlala’s suspension. The Party suspects it was a political decision, since it considers that SABC’s management under Minster Faith Muthambi is solely political.

Interims and incumbents have been alternating at the head of the company. Before Frans Matlala, the outgoing CEO, Lulama Mokhobo, resigned in February, 14 months only after he was appointed (he was appointed for 5 years). Then the position remained vacant until Frans Matlala’s appointment in July 2015. The company’s head at the time was operations’ director Jlaudi Motsoeneng, considered as the protégé of Minister of Communication. He was removed from duty under a disciplinary procedure for bad management. SABC’s current financial health is quite precarious.