The SABC’s acting chief operating officer and its group executive for technology, Craig van Rooyen, has resigned, the public broadcaster said on Monday.

In a statement, the financially troubled company said he is leaving due to “personal and family reasons” and will vacate his office on 9 September.

“My decision to leave the SABC is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make due to my good working relationships at the corporation,” he said in the statement.

He specifically credited CEO Madoda Mxakwe and chief financial officer Yolande van Biljon. “As executive directors, they have demonstrated a serious commitment to people, improving SABC processes, driving customer relations and making the SABC financially sustainable.

“Moreover, having been involved in crafting the SABC’s turnaround plan, I am confident that the SABC will overcome its challenges in the short term and become successful in the long term.”

Van Rooyen was intimately involved in the project to get the SABC ready for South Africa’s long-delayed migration from analogue to digital terrestrial television.

The broadcaster said it will interview potential candidates for the chief operating officer role this week and will soon advertise for a new group executive for technology. — (c) 2019 NewsCentral Media