Delay at SABC ‘not due to JZ’

President Jacob Zuma, pictured, yesterday denied that the lengthy delay in the appointment of the new South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board members recommended by the National Assembly is because he has “certain preferences or does not like” certain candidates.

The Presidency said it was concerned about the “rumours and gossip” that continued to flourish with regards to the SABC board appointments.

It said the “rumours” reported by the media that the appointments had not been made yet because Zuma had “certain preferences or does not like certain candidates or that he has an interest in the appointment of SABC executives, are mischievous and are without foundation”.

The Broadcasting Act enjoined the president as the appointing authority to ensure that persons recommended for appointment as members of the SABC board should meet certain requirements, including citizenship and no criminal record.

In addition, the Presidency wanted to ensure that the candidates indeed possessed the qualifications stated in their CVs among other “routine pre-appointment checks”.

“Past experience taught us the Presidency should undertake due diligence despite the process followed in the National Assembly.”

On Saturday, the South African Qualifications Authority (Saqa) accused Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo of tarnishing its reputation after she stated that the qualification verification process of permanent SABC board members was delayed.

Saqa CEO Joe Samuels said Dlodlo’s department was supplied with the requested information within the two-day deadline. “The Saqa would like to put it on record that it verified the qualifications of persons recommended to serve on the SABC board within the requested two days.

“This is contrary to some reports that stated that Saqa had missed the Thursday, 5 October 2017 deadline.” he said. – ANA