SABC board chairperson Kanyi Mkhonza has argued that the suspension of SABC news chief Snuki Zikalala was "invalid and unlawful".

In papers before the court dealing with SABC CEO Dali Mpofu's challenge to his suspension, Mkhonza said Mpofu did not have the power to suspend Zikalala.

"The board appoints and has the power to appoint the head of news. The board has the power to suspend Zikalala. His suspension by the applicant (Mpofu) is invalid and unlawful because the applicant does not have the power to suspend him," Mkhonza said in papers before the Johannesburg High Court.

She said Mpofu had acted "in clear defiance of the board".

"The board is obliged to investigate this conduct and if necessary to convene a disciplinary hearing. The applicant's conduct in suspending Zikalala in the manner that he did is yet a further example of what appears to be a pattern of behaviour by him that discloses complete lack of accountability to and disregard for the board," Mkhonza said.

Sapa