South African President Jacob Zuma has endorsed the interim board at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), following last month’s dissolution of the national broadcaster’s board.
The Department of Communications confirmed on Monday Zuma had signed off on an interim board comprising chairwoman Zandile Tshabalala and deputy Noluthando Gosa, as well as Iraj Abedian, Vusumzi Mavuso and Ronnie Lubisi.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications (PCC) resolved last month to dissolve the SABC’s board following a spate of resignations over a row over the future of chief operating officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
“The next process is that the board now deals with the day-to-day strategic issues that the SABC board has to deal with,” department spokesman Siyabulela Qoza said, confirming communications minister Dina Pule had met the interim board last week.
Parliament will now begin a public process of interviewing candidates for a permanent board.
The selection of the interim board has not been without controversy, with opposition parties rallying against the government’s processes.
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.”
