Inquiry into SABC must be free and fair

AS easy as it may be to disdain and oppose the antics of SABC head-of-everything Hlaudi Motsoeneng, it’s difficult to take too seriously the ANC’s new-found enthusiasm for a fair-minded broadcaster.

When ANC communications head Jackson Mthembu bravely stood up this week to denounce Motsoeneng’s baleful residency at the public broadcaster, he did so against a sad history of confusing signals and comments from the ruling party itself. Who would dispute that the ANC has shown itself more than partial to a little favouritism from the powers in Auckland Park?

Be that as it may, it is clear that something has changed, and it appears to be Motsoeneng’s very public abuse of power that has resurrected the party’s thirst for fairness in broadcasting.

As with the many other political dramas being played out on the public stage, this one has laid bare deep splits in the ANC itself. Not for the first time, observers may discern a difference between the ANC of Luthuli House, and the ANC that is President Jacob Zuma in the Union Buildings.

How else does one explain why the Minister of Communications, Faith Muthambi, appears to be something of a law unto herself? Seemingly lacking in obvious skills in her portfolio, one can only assume that Zuma felt he had good reason to elevate her to high office. Her pliability, maybe?

When Motsoeneng’s permanent appointment was confirmed by the cabinet, not a word of discussion was entertained, because, according to Muthambi, he had been “cleared” by a law firm. The fact that public protector Thuli Madonsela found that he had been appointed irregularly was brushed aside as a mere trifle.

Motsoeneng’s appointment had previously been halted by Muthambi’s predecessor, Dina Pule, with the apparent backing of the ANC. This, too, made no apparent difference, and the SABC has fallen over itself to roll back court rulings against Motsoeneng.

Similarly, the Broadcasting Amendment Bill gives Muthambi sweeping powers over the public broadcaster, including powers to appoint top officeholders, with the apparent backing of the ANC in parliament.

Mthembu says the ANC “has sought a meeting with the minister of communications”, to give effect to its commitment to freedom of expression.

All strength to its arm in this endeavour, but it seems Muthambi will not easily be brought to heel. Of her, and of Motsoeneng, one may conclude that these are creations of a party that plays fast and loose with the law and the constitution, invoking both when necessary, and flouting both when it suits its purposes.

One may also feel a little sympathy for the SABC board chairman, Mbulaheni Maguvhe, a known Motsoeneng backer, who said after Mthembu’s tirade: “We are not threatened by that statement, and when did we ever tie the knot? We have never been in a marriage.”

Maguvhe is sticking to his guns, insisting that the SABC’s policy of not showing violent protests is here to stay. Icasa has yet to decide on that.

With the ANC summoning Muthambi to a meeting, some expect a showdown between the party and the powers at the SABC. Whether she falls into line, or even pitches for the meeting, remains to be seen. But with a powerful backer in the Union Buildings, expect resistance. And one meeting cannot be expected to change the reality.

Calls for an independent inquiry are getting louder and, even at this late hour, should be supported.