Hon Speaker, this House must take seriously the state of the national public broadcaster. Over the past couple of years the SABC has been in chaos. Its management and its pedigree as the national public broadcaster have diminished. It seems that the various attempts to try to resolve the ongoing problems by the Portfolio Committee on Communications have not yielded results or stabilised the broadcaster. If anything, the broadcaster has lost integrity, impartiality, professionalism and all credibility. Therefore, this House has to intervene urgently regarding this issue, as it has reached the level of a national crisis.
The national public broadcaster carries the responsibility for the branding of the nation. The chaotic situation of the SABC is impacting negatively on the image of the nation and also on the goodwill of this nation.
Part of the problem that we have observed is the appointment of individuals with no appropriate academic qualifications or skills. We therefore believe political affiliation or affinity should not be the primary consideration in these appointments.
As Cope, we hope this House will deal with this crisis with the urgency it deserves. I thank you. [Applause.]