Panel to present SABC board report next year
THERE is still a long way to go before the parliamentary ad hoc committee on the SABC board inquiry presents its report to parliament on February 28.
The committee was established by a resolution of the National Assembly last month to conduct an inquiry into the remaining three members of the SABC board regarding their fitness to hold office.
It was established after the board members objected to the Portfolio Committee on Communications conducting the inquiry‚ citing fear of prejudice.
The 11-person committee began its inquiry last month even though two other board members resigned after the committee was established.
Committee chair Vincent Smith said because SABC board chairman Mbulaheni Maguvhe remained on the board‚ the inquiry must continue.
From November 15 until Thursday December 15‚ the committee has heard testimony from a number of witnesses‚ including Maguvhe‚ former board members‚ Communications Minister Faith Muthambi and the “SABC 8” – eight senior producers and journalists who were suspended and seven of whom were later reinstated following a public outcry.
Smith had expected the SABC management to present its evidence on Wednesday afternoon‚ but SABC acting CEO James Aguma asked to present a written response to the board.
Smith ruled that the SABC management will be given a chance to respond to a draft report that will be prepared by the ad hoc committee and presented to affected parties in the middle of January.
Smith indicated yesterday there had been requests that former SABC chairpersons Ellen Tshabalala and Ben Ngubane be interviewed.
DA said during the past few days‚ the committee had heard testimony describing a complete collapse of good governance at the public broadcaster.
“The DA will now plough through the 577 documents provided by the SABC to the ad hoc committee with the view of getting to the bottom of what has happened at the SABC‚ to devise concrete steps about what needs to happen to fix the SABC‚ and to hold those responsible accountable‚” said Phumzile van Damme‚ the DA’s national spokeswoman.