SABC board member Cawe Mahlati should be removed, the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) says.

"We call on the portfolio committee of communications to suspend Adv Cawe Mahlati and on President Jacob Zuma to remove her as SABC board member as soon as possible," said spokesman Matankana Mothapo.

He accused Mahlati of having tried to obtain tenders from the public broadcaster.

Mothapo said this bid was turned down by the office of the chief operations officer, based on the principle of conflict of interest.

Mothapo welcomed a motion of no confidence the SABC board had passed against Mahlati.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that the board had passed the motion against Mahlati.

"I can confirm that it was a resolution of the board and the matter was taken to the shareholders for a decision."

Mahlati could not be reached for comment.