Nicholson's contract shouldn't have been renewed - Eric Kholwane

"And they were right they didn't do it because the last time they came to Parliament, they promised us they were not going to renew all the short-term contracts," Kholwane stated, amid a looming 'Nicholson CEO War' due to be fought in court soon.

"As the committee, we are watching every move the board is making, as we don't want anyone to take advantage while these guys are trying hard to stabilise the corporation," Kholwane said, unknowingly launching a killer punch at Nicholson which will probably make him think twice before going to court.

Problems arise from 'rigid' legislation

He admitted that most of the SABC problems arise from a series of legislations, which he described as 'rigid', as they were not allowing things to happen the way they should happen in today's world. "But there are no short-cuts. Unless we totally review the legislation and policy, we will not be able to solve these problems," he said.

Kholwane also defended minister of communications Roy Padayachie, who has been accused of 'plotting' Nicholson's downfall by amending the SABC articles of association that paved the way to director of news Phil Molefe to be appointed acting CEO.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong about the minister amending the articles of association; he was only exercising his ministerial powers as stipulated in the legislation. That is why we need a full policy review, which must be inclusive and cater for all aspects of broadcasting, taking account of the current landscape."

Padayachie's advisor Robert Nkuna, who also attended the meeting, refuted media reports that the minister interfered with the SABC CEO ongoing selection process, saying: "He is waiting for recommendation from the board so that he can proceed with the permanent appointment, meaning he has in no way expressed his view about the CEO appointment."

Broadcasting Act more than 10-years-old

Nkuna, a former ICASA councillor, also spoke strongly in favour of reviewing the Broadcasting Act of 1999, which he said is more than 10-years-old, and needed to be urgently reviewed to include aspects such as new funding models, local content, acquisition of premium content and commissioning.

SASFED representative Rehad Desai said: "Maybe we need to march again because it seems as if nobody is listening to us. We are not stupid and we know what is going on. SABC quality of programme and journalism [are] going downhill. [The t]ime has come to end the play and start fighting for something we all desire."

The Independent Producers' Organisation - a body that includes screen writers, film and documentary makers - also made an emotional intervention to the nation to 'save' local content, which appears to be degenerating as the leadership crisis continues unabated.

"Once again we sit with another change of leadership. Who is driving local content now? The IPO is worried that there seems to be no vision and discussion about local content."

Lost about 17 000 jobs

IPO, which produces about 80% of local content shown on SABC, said the industry lost about 17 000 jobs as a result of the R600 million cutback in local content budget in 2009.