Media agency given a boost

President Jacob Zuma, pictured, yesterday announced he has appointed two new members to the embattled Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).

Tasneem Carrim will join the board as the communications department’s representative, as well as Nkgakga Monare of Tiso Blackstar Group, formerly known as the Times Media Group.

“President Zuma wishes Mr Monare and Ms Carrim all the best with their new responsibilities,” a presidency statement said.

The MDDA board is currently inquorate as it only has three board members.

The performance of the state entity responsible for development and promoting diversity in media was described as dismal just a week ago when Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo and her deputy Tandi Mahambehlala appeared before MPs.

They cited infighting between the current three-member board, including board chairperson, Phelisa Nkomo, and acting chief executive, Donald Liphoko.

Dlodlo said the relationship between the CEO and Nkomo was “non-existent” and had led to the MDDA meeting only 33% of its targets in the first quarter of this financial year.

On August 29, the shambolic state of affairs at the MDDA was laid bare in parliament, when Nkomo took parliament’s portfolio committee on communications through a presentation of the progress made by the agency which was eventually rejected by the committee.

During that meeting Liphoko confirmed he was prevented by security from entering the building. Liphoko said the relationship between him and the board had continued to deteriorate “because of the leadership style of the board chairperson”.

MPs from across the political spectrum were left flabbergasted, with the Democratic Alliance calling for a parliamentary inquiry, while the Economic Freedom Fighters said both sides should be held responsible for the mess and be fired. – ANA