Alarm over SABC board

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) says it is alarmed by President Jacob Zuma’s long delay in approving the new South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board.

The interim board’s term of office expired in September.

Saftu said on Wednesday: “We will not allow our shortlived, recently gained freedom of expression to be rolled back. It has been several days since the term of the interim board has expired. However, there has been no political will to remedy the governance crisis at the broadcaster.”

The union federation said the SABC’s purpose ought to be to inform, educate and entertain all South African communities; to reflect the diversity of our cultural, linguistic, political, religious, sporting and social heritage and to be a platform for democratic and uncensored debate.

“The SABC eight fear that the real reason for Zuma’s delay is that he wants to use the extra time to enable Minister of Communications Ayanda Dlodlo, pictured, ... to appoint or extend the contracts of executive officers who would continue with the agenda set by [Hlaudi] Motsoeneng.”

Motsoeneng was fired in June after he was found guilty of misconduct. He was also criticised for interfering in editorial matters in order to stifle critical voices and mismanaging the finances of the SABC. – ANA

We will not allow our shortlived, recently gained freedom of expression to be rolled back. SA Federation of Trade Unions