As GM in the office of the CEO, he did not qualify to sit in board meetings. No one asked any questions. Neither did board chairperson Ben Ngubane.

He appeared content, despite the surprise shown by some board members and executives. He continued to attend board meetings until 2011, when some board members started asking questions.

Motsoeneng was allegedly defended by Ngubane, who has since become his close ally. He even accompanies him to meetings with senior government officials.

When one board member, Cawe Mahlathi, started to openly question Motsoeneng's attendance of board meetings, all hell broke loose, say SABC insiders.

We are told "Cawe raised this matter very strongly about why was this guy sitting on the board.

"Ngubane defended the guy strongly. The meeting nearly collapsed as the two exchanged words."

Sunday World is told the meeting "nearly collapsed as it degenerated into personal attacks between Cawe and Ngubane."

Ngubane is said to have told the meeting it is his decision as board chairman to have Motsoeneng at board meetings.