SABC nominees shortlist has conflict of interest, says coalition

Bizcommunity.com is in possession of the list containing 28 names - a plethora of well-qualified nominees - some of whom are ‘politically well-connected', others ‘relatively unknown' and a few “good names”, as the coalition put it.

“We received the list last night directly from Parliament and I must say that it is a mixed bag,” Save our SABC Coalition spokesperson Kate Skinner told Bizcommunity.com this morning, 3 September.

“At first glance, it would appear that there is a conflict of interest because some people who are shortlisted have senior positions in government,” Skinner said.

“And it is incredibly sad and inappropriate that some good people have been left out,” she added, citing specifically the name of Felleng Lorraine Sekha, whom she described as a heavyweight candidate armed with a vast experience of broadcasting.

Extreme transparency urged

Nevertheless, she said that the coalition was happy that Parliament has finally adhered to its request. The coalition yesterday called on portfolio committee on communications chair Ismael Vadi to release the names of the shortlisted candidates, stating that maximum public participation is the way to practice democracy and to get the right people for public institutions.

Skinner urged Parliament to exercise extreme transparency in the process.

“We want the media to cover the interviews as much as possible. Also, when Parliament makes the final list we would like them to give reason for the list. Furthermore, before the committee submits the names to the National Assembly we would like them to circulate the names for comment,” she said.

Controversy has marred the appointment of SABC board members in the past, with some critics expressing regrets about the political manipulation of the process.

The following is the list of nominees shortlisted: