‘Minister has no role in appointment of SABC COO'

“There is certainly a cloud hanging over the appointment of the COO, but this cloud should rightfully be resolved by the board, not by the minister,” Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) director Jane Duncan told Bizcommunity.com yesterday, Wednesday, 29 April 2009.

SABC board chairperson Kanyi Mkonza said in a statement on Tuesday 28 April:

The board decided to review the appointment of the COO and accordingly referred the matter back to the acting minister of communications, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.

This is done in order to ensure that the minister applies her mind to the original recommendation of the previous board. The board believes that this will assist in finalising the appointment of the COO for the SABC - a position that has been vacant since 2007.

In the meantime, the board will continue its search for a suitable candidate for the group CEO with the advert extended till end of May.

Strongly disagreed

But Duncan strongly disagreed with the board's controversial move, saying: “The minister should have no role in the appointment process of the CEO, CFO or COO, as this constitutes interference with a decision that should rightfully fall within the board's purview.”

Duncan explained, “The minister contradicted herself recently over her powers regarding these appointments, stating in the context of Dali Mpofu's court case that she had no role to play regarding his appointment and/or removal, while refusing to endorse the appointment of Mvuso Mbebe.

“The danger of the minister having the power of veto over these appointments is that it can lead to appointments being made or not made depending on the political allegiance of the candidate, which would constitute an unacceptable invasion of the SABC's independence by the executive arm of government.”

Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) director William Bird echoed Duncan's sentiments: “We have consistently argued that executive members of the SABC should be appointed and where necessary removed by the board. The minister should not have any role in these decisions.”

Save our SABC Coalition spokesperson Kate Skinner questioned the board's timing to make these ‘sweeping changes and decisions' and reiterated that the board is still very much illegitimate.

Timing questioned

“Unfortunately this board still remains illegitimate because of the political interference in its appointment. Also, it has become controversial because of the ongoing fights with management and the dire financial situation that has developed at the SABC.

“Something needs to be done about the board itself,” she added.

Furthermore, Mkonza slammed ‘traitors and spies', who she said, unjustifiably leaked ‘reckless and false' information about the organisation to the media, in particular The Sunday Independent.

MMA's Bird said: “The take on the media's reporting of leaks is hardly surprising and while it is positive that the board supported the media's right to report, they need to be clear on which matters were falsely reported and then lodge complaints with the press ombudsman about them. Far too often, the SABC makes statements that offer only some of the picture.”