Molefe called on news staff on Monday to approach stories with more emphasis on "issues, not personalities", SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said in a statement.

"During his remarks, Molefe emphasised that SABC news needed to regain whatever credibility it could have lost and that that would be achieved through a shift of focus," said Kganyago.

The SABC's "business is to tell stories in service not to any political party, faction or sector but the entire South African community", said Molefe, according to Kganyago's statement.

Molefe also said he would "re-energise the news room staff to trigger the attainment of higher levels of commitment and efficiency".

Kganyago said the acting group chief executive officer, Gab Mampone, "commended" the former news chief, Snuki Zikalala, for his "effort".

Zikalala's contract ended last month and journalist Molefe would act in the position until a permanent replacement was found.

Zikalala was embroiled in controversy during his term, including reports that he had blacklisted political commentators critical of the government then led by Thabo Mbeki, that he had leaked confidential SABC information to newspapers, and allegations that he had undermined axed CEO Dali Mpofu.