South Africa’s Broadcasting Act is “ambiguous” and could be altered before a new permanent board is put in place at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
The problems of the Act were discussed by parliament’s communications portfolio committee yesterday (Tuesday) with cross party agreement that it needed to be changed, although the timescale of such a move was debated.
The SABC is currently only served by an interim board, the result of a series of resignations and infighting.
Sikhumbuzo Kholwane, chairman of the committee and a member of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, said: “The reality is that the Broadcasting Act is ambiguous… we have to think about extending the term of the interim board whilst we deal with this issue (of the Broadcasting Act), so that we can buy time and create an environment whereby the incoming permanent board can succeed.”
Communications minister Dina Pule has previously called for amendments to the act, which would give her a greater say over who is appointed to the board.
Marian Shinn, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) shadow communications minister, agreed the act was flawed, but believed they should press on with the appointment of a new board and deal with the act at a later date.
The issue is set to be discussed further at next week’s portfolio committee meeting.
