SABC will be open to abuse if its board is in limbo

Weekend reports suggest that the SABC editorial staff were again the subject of some political argy-bargy from the governing ANC party. ANC’s head of elections Fikile Mbalula reportedly went in guns blazing to try and get more coverage of the ANC in the leadup to the elections. Although Mbalula has denied this – suggesting it was simply a healthy exchange of views – some editorial staff who attended the meeting clearly felt otherwise.

The fact that the editorial staff seemingly felt able and empowered to stand their ground, is encouraging and a sign the public broadcaster has taken some tentative steps in the right direction. But the SABC will always remain vulnerable to being forced to toe the line of the party in power. It has been the case pre- and post-1994.

The SABC board is an important entity, responsible for managing the affairs of the SABC and should do so without fear or favour. It is there to ensure that the SABC acts in the public interest and that it provides neutral and accurate, and diverse content. It is critical to ensure and protect the SABC’s independence and should be stepping in to protect its editorial staff if any politicians try and throw their weight around.

That is why, particularly in the run-up to a general election, it is absolutely staggering that President Cyril Ramaphosa has left the board inquorate since December last year after a number of resignations. In terms of the Broadcasting Act, the president appoints the 12 non-executive members on the advice of the National Assembly following a public selection process. Former president Jacob Zuma, for his own nefarious reasons, also left the SABC without a board for an unconscionably long time. Leaving the board powerless and in limbo is simply not healthy for the broadcaster, which is already barely keeping its head above water. It also enables the likes of Mbalula to act unchecked against editorial staff who do not enjoy the protection of a board.

He needs to now move with the requisite urgency to appoint independent, capable board members with the skill to steer the SABC into a position where it can play the vital role it should in our young democracy.

The SABC board is responsible for managing the affairs of the SABC and should do so without fear