Global media arrives for ANC summit
‘Be wary of business lobbying’ – Carrim About 4 000 seeking entry to Nasrec Expo Centre for five-day conference
FORMER minister of communications Yunus Carrim said Parliament must not only scrutinise the behaviour of business but also those politicians who succumb to undue business lobbying.
With MultiChoice accused of having essentially “bought” government policy over digital encryption to benefit its business, Carrim has been vocal about business lobbying government.
Carrim was removed in 2014 after just 10 months in his post.
He claimed his outspoken support for the introduction of encrypted set-top boxes when South Africa was about to make the migration from analogue to digital TV broadcasting may have been the reason behind his dismissal.
Carrim alleged that the chairperson of MultiChoice’s parent company Naspers, Koos Bekker, tried to coerce him to change the government’s position on digital migration while he was the minister.
Speaking to Independent Media yesterday, Carrim supported business “vigorously” lobbying government.
However, he added that businesses “can’t seek to buy government policy”.
“Lobbying should be within reasonable limits and within a generally accepted framework of ethics.”
Given the focus on state capture, including the allegations about the behaviour of Naspers and MultiChoice, Carrim said there was clearly a need for some sort of framework for what would be acceptable business lobbying of government.
He said the current parliamentary hearings on state capture might also point to a need for a framework for business lobbying.
Carrim called on Parliament to extend its code of ethics to MPs, saying that the register of members interests did not cover this issue adequately.
“Obviously, it’s for the ANC, government and Parliament to shape clearer policy on this, after consulting business, labour, other civil society stakeholders and the public,” he said.
He said, in terms of the laws and rules of Parliament committees, they are required to be open and transparent and have public hearings on major issues.
He also called for business organisations to adopt clearer codes of ethics.
On SAfm last week, ANChief whip Jackson Mthembu slammed businesses that had tried to influence government policies, saying those who are guilty must be called to account. “We must act on any person trying to influence government and its officials.”
MORE than 4 000 journalists from around the world have applied to cover the ANC national conference due to take place this weekend, although only 1 000 will be accommodated at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said, “Those accredited include technical staff from three broadcasters who will carry all the news programmes from the venue.”
Kodwa said registration and collection of accreditation is expected to take place at Nasrec Metro Rail Station from today until Friday between 9am and 6pm.
Media representatives are expected to converge at the expo centre on Saturday for the beginning of the five-day long event.
Kodwa declined to divulge how many foreign journalists had applied, but confirmed that the number includes “all foreign correspondence agencies”.
He said inside the conference hall, journalists would be allowed to attend the opening address by President Jacob Zuma. They would leave the hall for the closed session to take place.
Kodwa said the media would also be allowed in during nominations for candidates to vote for leadership positions.
“We will hold regular briefings in between closed sessions.”
He said the media would also be allowed in when the new president, possibly former AU Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma or Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the closing remarks on the last day. The two are the forerunners among seven candidates.