Deputy Speaker, hon members; the media in general, and print media in particular, must be transformed and diversified in terms of ownership and control. Transformation must be measured in terms of language, diversity, gender mainstreaming, equity in respect of race and class, and sensitivity to children and people living with disabilities. According to section 4(1)(b) of the Media Development and Diversity Agency Act of 2002, the board consists of nine members; six of whom are appointed by the President based upon the recommendation of the National Assembly. Section 4(1)(c) makes provision for three members to be appointed by the President after consultation with the industry players in terms of the commercial media and commercial broadcasting. The term of office for Mr Siviwe Minyi, Ms Nomonde Gongxeka and Prof Guy Berger will be expiring at the end of December 2010. As the committee, we are grateful for their participation through the Media Development and Diversity Agency, MDDA, in serving the nation.
The committee called for nominations and received 22 CVs. From those CVs, ten candidates were shortlisted. On 16 November 2010, the committee interviewed all the candidates, except for Dr Simangaliso Malinga, who could not attend due to bereavement in his family. The committee deliberated and unanimously recommended that the House recommends to the President the appointment of the following candidates to serve on the MDDA board: Ms Louise Carol Vale, Ms Nadia Bulbulia and Ms Phelisa Nkomo. I am sure hon members will note that the committee recommended three female candidates. We hope that they will be able to execute their duties as expected, I thank you.
Question put: That the recommendation for the appointment of Ms Louise Carol Vale, Ms Nadia Bulbulia and Ms Phelisa Nkomo on the Media Development and Diversity Agency Board be approved. Question agreed to.
Ms Louise Carole Vale, Ms Nadia Bulbulia and Ms Phelisa Nkomo accordingly recommended for appointment on the Media Development and Diversity Agency Board.