SABC bosses a worry – DA

The Democratic Alliance yesterday said it “noted with concern” that the newly appointed SABC board chairperson and his deputy were President Jacob Zuma’s close allies.

Reacting to Zuma’s appointments, DA national spokesperson and MP Phumzile van Damme, pictured, said: “The DA notes with grave concern the appointment of chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini and deputy chair Febe Potgieter-Gqubule, who are close allies to President Zuma and his family.

“This comes after Zuma has been in possession of the recommended candidates for over a month”.

She said the SABC interim board’s term of office came to an end on September 26 and the embattled entity has been without a board since.

“Despite the appointments finally being made, the DA has some concerns regarding the suitability and impartiality of the chairperson and deputy chairperson,” said Van Damme.

“Makhathini is also the chairperson of a foundation run by one of President Zuma’s wives, Bongi Ngema-Zuma. His proximity to the Zuma family is a concern.

“Potgieter-Gqubule has been a close ally and advisor to Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, with strong political ties to the ANC. During the interviews, she even admitted that there is a possibility that she would resign from the board if she is elected to the ANC NEC [national executive committee].”

Van Damme said it was “obvious that the president wilfully delayed” the appointment of the permanent board because he wanted certain individuals on the board to serve his own interests and not those of all South Africans. – ANA