Prasa has suspended over half of its executive committee, totaling at least 22 executives, and is paying them full salaries to stay at home. Some have been suspended for over six years without facing disciplinary processes or misconduct charges.
- The estimated cost of paying suspended executives is substantial, with 10 executives receiving at least R23 million a year to stay at home. Another 12 general and senior managers remain suspended, costing about R25 million annually.
- Despite receiving substantial subsidies from the National Treasury, Prasa has faced financial difficulties. In the year ending March 2022, the Treasury subsidy amounted to R16.7 billion, while Prasa’s core business revenue was R343 million, and total employee-related costs were almost R5.88 billion.
- Prasa has refused to provide information about suspended executives, claiming that employee salaries and HR processes are private and confidential.
- Some suspended executives have been engaged in legal battles to be reinstated. Many have won disciplinary and court cases against Prasa, indicating issues with the organization’s suspension practices.
- Several suspended executives have been vindicated for saving Prasa from irregular expenditures. They have successfully challenged various decisions and contracts that were later deemed unlawful.
- Executives have accused Prasa of abusing legal processes to keep them suspended. Some individuals have been suspended without charges and have faced delays and legal obstacles in their efforts to return to work.
- Suspended executives claim that Prasa is plagued by traps for competent and honest employees, while those who are dishonest and incompetent are protected and entrusted with important positions.
- Both the Prasa chairperson and the CEO have faced removal from their positions under allegations of abuse of power and failure to disclose important information.
- Prasa’s legal battles, suspension practices, and financial struggles have had significant legal and financial implications for the organization, resulting in costly legal fees and compensation for suspended employees.