SABC: Parliament must dissolve Board otherwise we’re pursuing legal options

02 October 2016

The DA supports the dissolution of the SABC Board following reports that ANC Chief Whip, Jackson Mthembu, will effectively ask Parliament to challenge the reappointment of disgraced former COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. 

We will not be surprised if this is another case of ANC political grandstanding in order to save face for the embarrassment that has become the SABC. If nothing comes of this in by Wednesday, when the Portfolio Committee on Communications is scheduled to meet, we will be pursuing legal options.

The DA has repeatedly called for a parliamentary inquiry to be conducted into the SABC. This includes the Board's fitness to hold office.

It is a pity that the ANC allowed the crisis at the SABC to continue to escalate over the last couple of months, the crisis could have been avoided much sooner, nevertheless, we are pleased that they have woken up and smelled the coffee. 

It has become patently clear that the board of the SABC only serves to further the interests of the ANC, the Communications Minister, Faith Muthambi, and Hlaudi Motsoeneng, and is not dedicated - as required by the Broadcasting Act - to fairness, freedom of expression, the right of the public to be informed, and openness and accountability.

The DA is committed to restoring the integrity and independence of the SABC, and the first step, is to ensure that it has the right leadership.

Statement issued by James Selfe MP, Chairperson of the DA’s Federal Executive, 2 October 2016