Mokoetle resignation: SABC can get back on track

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the resignation of suspended GCEO of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Solly Mokoetle. We trust once the SABC board has a full complement, it will set about the task of appointing a GCEO who will steer the public broadcaster towards calm waters.

Mr. Mokoetle got off to the worst possible start when appointed at the end of 2009 by saying that he was accountable first to Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda, and not the SABC board. He set about proving that by by-passing the board on a number of occasions, including effecting a number of dubious and illegal appointments along with the current Chairperson Dr Ben Ngubane. It would perhaps serve the SABC better if Dr Ngubane were to resign too.

During the interviews for the outstanding SABC board members this week, the DA will continue to ensure that those appointed are qualified, committed and skilled people who will see to it that the correct candidate is chosen for the post of SABC GCEO.

Statement issued by Natasha Michael MP, Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Communications, January 19 2011

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