The parliamentary portfolio committee has announced the final list of recommended names for the new South African Broadcasting Commission (SABC) board, though opposition party the Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the selection process.
The current interim SABC board was appointed in March following the dissolution of the previous one, but its term ends on September 25.
The National Assembly will be presented with the names for approval on Thursday, which will then be sent to President Jacob Zuma to make the appointments.
Four members of the interim board – Zandile Tshabalala, Noluthando Gosa, Vusumuzi Mavuso and Ronnie Lubisi – are amongst the twelve, which also includes Rachel Kalidass, Krish Naidoo, Bongani Khumalo, King Thembinkosi Bonakele, Nomvuyo Mhlakaza, Hope Zinde and Obert Maguvhe.
The DA’s shadow minister of communications Marian Shinn was unhappy with the selection process.
“Today, Parliament was presented with the opportunity to select a new board to steer the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) into calm waters,” she said.
“Instead, ANC (African National Congress) members of the Portfolio Committee on Communications chose to select candidates on the basis of party political loyalties and not proficiency for the task at hand.”
She said the board selected by the ANC had been rejected by the DA and other political parties because it deviated from the draft agreed upon by the committee task team last week, the ANC refused to negotiate, and the ANC ignored the talent available.
HumanIPO reported last month Shinn’s opinion that the shortlist for the SABC board included some exceptional candidates.
“The DA will oppose the ANC in Parliament’s list of SABC board candidates when it is tabled for a vote on Thursday,” Shinn said.
“It is disappointing that the ANC in Parliament refused to select a capable and effective board to fix it.”
The SABC has remained a source of controversy even after dissolving its last board in March.
Controversial chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng proposed last month that 70 per cent of news covered by SABC be positive, which prompted a strong reaction from the DA.
