At the end of an eventful two days which featured another string of resignations and left just one member of the original 12 strong non-executive board, HumanIPO reported yesterday afternoon parliament had dissolved it.
The nominated members which will form the resulting interim board are Zandile Tshabalala (expected to become chairman), Noluthando Gosa, Vusi Mavuso, Ronnie Lubisi and Iraj Abedia.
President Jacob Zuma still needs to sign off on the appointments and the opposition parties did not hold back in their criticism of the minister of communications Dina Pule and the Communications Portfolio Committee, which heard Pule’s report yesterday.
Marian Shinn, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) communications representative, said: “Many South Africans who wanted to contribute to the formation of a vibrant, world-class public broadcaster are now scared and embittered people.”
Shinn claimed a number of the former board members were “in disgust” at the interference of politicians
The DA did not put forward any names for the board because they believe politicians should have no influence on the SABC.
Shinn added: “The appointment of this interim board must be seen for what it is - a rush, non-transparent and inadequate affair.”
Juli Killian, Congress of the People (COPE) MP, said: “Cope wishes to register its serious discomfort with the process followed and the undue haste to dissolve the board with less than 24-hours’ notice.”
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) party hit back through whip Gregory Schneeman who said: “This process was not bulldozed through committee this morning. All parties were informed yesterday [Monday].”
Tshabalala, who has been nominated as chair, has a background in banking, stratefic development, international business and investments.
Gosa has been nominated as deputy chair, bringing the possibility of a third spell on the board. Schneeman said: “She would bring with her extensive experience and understanding on the workings of the SABC.”
