Hon Deputy Speaker, Deputy President, hon members, my colleagues and our guests, it is with great and utmost humility that I present to this House, for consideration, the report of the Portfolio Committee on Communications, which was adopted on 17 September. This report includes, amongst other things, the finalised list of candidates to serve on the SABC's board.
Indeed, with the appointment of the SABC Board, the process to rebuild the public broadcaster has begun in earnest. It is therefore safe to say that the ANC's resolution in relation to the SABC is on track. This is but a foundation block towards ensuring that we achieve the objectives of the public broadcaster as articulated in the charter of the corporation and later in the ANC's 53rd National Conference resolutions.
I am convinced that the calibre of candidates that we interviewed bears testament to the quality and depth that our country is blessed with. More importantly, it reflects the kind of patriotism that is needed to drive our country forward. It is indeed unfortunate that, because of the limited number of candidates, all the candidates could not be accommodated. [Interjections.]
From a procedural point of view, the committee advertised and called for nominations. A total of 147 nominations were received, and 37 were short- listed. Unfortunately, there was one withdrawal and only 36 candidates were interviewed. Following the interview of the 36 candidates, from 20 to 22 August and later from 27 to 28 August in Johannesburg, the committee resolved that this House, in accordance with section 13 of the Broadcasting Act, recommends the following candidates to the President, to be appointed as nonexecutive members to the SABC board. Are you ready for the names?
The names are: Ms Rachel Kalidaas, Ms Ellen Zandile Tshabalala, Mr King Bonakele, Mr Vusumusi Mavuso, Ms Nomvuyo Mhlakaza, Mr Ronnie Lubisi, Prof Bongani Khumalo, Prof Obert Maguvhe, Mr Krish Naidoo, Dr Aaron Tshifdzumba, Ms Noluthando Gosa and Ms Hope Zinde. [Interjections.]
Say it loud; say it loud! We are the ruling party and we should be proud of that. [Interjections.] [Applause.] Say it loud!
In an article written by Thabo Mokone on 18 September 2013, which appeared in the Times Live, it seems that there is consensus about this board within the labour movement and also the Save Our SABC, SOS, Coalition. He wrote that, according to the Communications Workers Union, CWU:
The board members are the right people for the job. They are experienced enough, well equipped and skilled. This is a very strong team.
He also wrote that, according to the SOS Coalition:
Many of those recommended are extremely experienced in the turnaround of institutions. The SABC's problems are structural and historical, and the new board would only be part of the solution. [Interjections.]
That was not us, so what more do you want? As the ruling party, we deliver. That is why the labour movement and the coalition are supporting this board. [Interjections.]
Indeed, I must once again express my sincere gratitude to the committee members and the support staff of the committee for their commitment, diligence and sterling work during the entire process. [Interjections.]
For putting up with you!
Indeed, all parties have internal political processes for mandates, so what is your problem? We have ours in the ANC and you have yours in the DA, Cope and so on. What is your problem?
Lastly, I appreciate the opportunity given to present to this House the outcome of the SABC board interviewing process and its outcomes for consideration by this House. Are you ready? Are you ready to support the ANC? I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Question put: That the recommendation for appointment of Ms R Kalidaas, Ms E Z Tshabalala, Mr K T Bonakele, Mr V Mavuso, Ms N Mhlakaza, Mr R Lubisi, Prof B Khumalo, Prof M O Maguvhe, Mr K Naidoo, Dr A Tshidzumba, Ms N Gosa and Ms H Zinde as nonexecutive members of the SABC Board be approved.
Declarations of vote:
Hon colleagues, today this House is poised to betray South African's right to freedom of expression, journalistic and creative independence through our public broadcaster. They are rights that are fundamental to the SABC Charter and enshrined in the Constitution. We are about to endorse the ANC's choice for the SABC board. The ANC would not compromise on the list presented to the Portfolio Committee on Communications. It refused to consider any names offered by the opposition parties.
While the ANC list includes people who are competent and whom the opposition parties supported in the spirit of democratic negotiations, it does not represent the best choice of appropriate skills and experience that was available. Many experienced, appropriately skilled, vibrant and young South Africans offered to use their talents and commitment to good corporate governance to salvage the SABC. These people, for whom the opposition parties lobbied long and hard, were totally ignored by the ANC because they did not come with the nomination or endorsement of the leading faction in the ANC or its allies. Instead of acting in the best interest of our public broadcaster and the millions of people who listen to and watch the SABC's channels, the ANC has chosen people who will submit to the dictates of the skills-bereft executive management of the SABC and Luthuli House.
The new board, viewed as a collective, will not have the necessary political independence, knowledge and experience to confidently honour the obligations under the Companies Act, other laws and regulations under which the SABC operates. We doubt that they have the necessary experience to challenge the dictates of the SABC's management, should it embark on initiatives that threaten the broadcaster's financial sustainability, erode its asset base and compromise its integrity in news and programming. Our argument does not concern the individuals on this list, but it concerns the ANC. It has put party affiliation above the requirements of the Broadcasting Act for the board to comprise a broad cross-section of South Africa's population and collectively to have qualifications and experience in the required fields. Most of the best available, appropriately skilled and experienced people that represent a broad range of committed South Africans are not on the ANC's list.
Today, this House is about to be party to abandoning the principles and values of the SABC Charter as a public broadcaster. We are about to hand over control of the SABC to the ANC. The SABC will become a state broadcaster, subject to the whims of a ruling faction of the ANC. The political interference that has increasingly brought the SABC into disrepute and disarray during the past 20 years is set to continue. The DA rejects the ANC's list for the SABC board. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, the ANC supports the nomination of the names presented to this House today in terms of complying with section 13(4)(a)(b)(c) and (d) of the Broadcasting Act. The above-mentioned names of candidates, whom we are recommending to this House today for appointment by the President, when viewed collectively, are persons who are suited to serve on the board by virtue of their qualifications, expertise and experience in broadcasting policy and technology; broadcasting regulations; media law; business practice and finance; marketing; journalism; entertainment; education; and social and labour issues. They are persons who are committed to fairness, freedom of expression, the right of the public to be informed and openness and accountability on the part of those holding public office. They represent a broad cross-section of the population of the Republic and are persons who are committed to the objects and principles as enunciated in the charter of the corporation.
Therefore, it is clear from the above that, in terms of the skills diversity needed from board members, the committee had a clear mandate to ensure that the above-mentioned criteria were met to the letter, and all political parties were in agreement to comply with the Broadcasting Act. I am surprised as to what they are saying today. I am confident that the nominated candidates cover all the skills and requisites that are spelt out in the Act. Unless the opposing parties identify a particular skills gap, the nominated candidates complement one another and will diversify the board, as mandated. [Interjections.]
Like all other political parties, the ANC has the right to have internal processes that enable it to take consensual decisions based on the party position. In fact, on numerous occasions, the opposition parties requested to consult with party caucuses for the sake of clarity. I do not see why the ANC cannot be afforded the same privilege. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, just like before, the ANC in the portfolio committee showed that they cannot be trusted. They reneged on agreements. The difference this time was that they did not buckle under pressure from Luthuli House, but apparently received their orders from hon Blade Nzimande or Mr Jeremy Cronin. [Interjections.] The whole process of advertising, short-listing and interviewing of candidates for appointment to the SABC board was a sham, with hundreds of thousands of rands in tax wasted on trooping the committee and eight staff members to Johannesburg.
Notwithstanding a decision to depoliticise the board and the selection process, the ANC again resorted to cadre deployment. The committee chair was extremely economical with the truth, accusing the opposition of throwing tantrums about a singular candidate. The truth is far from that. We reached an agreement on candidates, including proposed ANC candidates. But this past week they made a sudden about-turn and refused to accept their earlier nominations, replacing them with a rigid slate of politically aligned comrades. They refused point-blank to accept even one candidate supported exclusively by the opposition. [Interjections.]
There is no doubt that this list before us contains some good names, but the board lacks the collective skills, balance and independence to restore the credibility of the public broadcaster. Excellent candidates were rejected by the ANC. Blind loyalty and service in the ANC's higher echelons became the determining factor. The SABC will continue to remain in crisis. The truth is that the board and the management could not escape the factionalism prevalent in the ruling alliance during past years. If the Special Investigations Unit's latest audit disclaimer and scandals of news manipulation and governance irregularities under the Ngubane board did not shake the ANC into action to remove politics from the business of the SABC, then nothing will.
It is to be doubted whether the SABC could be salvaged as spectacularly as the Costa Concordia earlier this week. Treasury gave the previous SABC board an initial lifeline and dictated the terms of the salvage operation, but the board did not control the salvage operation and it slipped back into deep water. The Costa Concordia, although damaged, will soon be ready to sail, but can the SABC be salvaged without the equivalent of a Nick Sloane engineering team? [Interjections.]
Cope wishes the board everything of the best. However, we believe their task will be much more difficult than the hauling of a stranded ship from the rocks. We do not need manipulated news bulletins. We need an independent public broadcaster. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, when we embarked on the process of appointing a new board, we had the opportunity of appointing a fully nonpartisan board. A new dawn seemed possible for the SABC. This is sorely needed, for another damning report by the Auditor-General had shown that the rot runs deep in our public broadcaster. To stop the rot, we had to find the very best talent for the board. Many of the people nominated today fit these criteria, but the fact remains that stronger candidates were left out in favour of weaker ones.
On this principle alone, I raise the IFP's objection with the board before us today. Sadly, at the last minute, the ruling party seemingly bowed to pressure to advance specific candidates and expertise took a back seat. How else does one explain the appointment of a senior manager in the office of the National Youth Development Agency? What exceptional skills made her the best in the pool? Is the fact that she is an ANC Youth League stalwart and married to an ANC Member of Parliament, over there, the overriding factor? [Interjections.] Only time will tell. More importantly, since we did not fully adhere to the sections of the Broadcasting Act which compels us to pick South Africans of a broad cross-section of the population, and we did not tick all the boxes ...
Deputy Speaker, may I ask the hon member a question?
No, I'm not going to take your question.
I want to ask the hon member, how many ... [Inaudible.]
She said that she was not going to take the question. That is what she said. Continue, hon member.
... and more importantly, since we did not fully adhere to the sections of the Broadcasting Act which compels us to pick South Africans of a broad cross-section of the population and we did not tick all the boxes with regard to the fields from where they should be drawn, this possibly leaves the composition of this board open to legal scrutiny.
Let us at least thank the entire SABC parliamentary team. I am sorry that I cannot mention all of them today, but they are led by senior journalists such as Ms Isabelle de Taillefer, Ms Abra Barbier, Ms Mercedes Besent, Mr Lukhanyo Calata, Ms Lulama Matya, Ms Asanda Mbetshe, and others. These individuals do not comprise the new board, but they and their colleagues are the unsung heroes of the SABC. Theirs is a labour of love for an institution that is routinely labelled as a national embarrassment. They deserve better.
The IFP did not support all the names on the board, but their appointment is now a fait accompli. Therefore, in the spirit of how the IFP conducts its business, I would like to wish the board all the best. May they deliver to us an SABC that can deliver a service that would compel South Africans to pay their TV licences, and not leave them feeling that it is not the right thing to do. We urge them to put aside any personal and political preferences and dedicate themselves to rebuilding one of South Africa's national assets. It is now uncertain whether the SABC's sinking ship can be rescued, but on the basis of those members who hold South Africa's best interests at heart, may we live in hope. I thank you. [Applause.]
Deputy Speaker, comrades and hon members, out of more than 140 applicants, it is clear that if the APC had its preferences, it would have been a different list. Therefore, to quibble about this or that name may not be a strategic issue at this point in time. Our main concern, however, is that those who are going to be recommended and appointed to the board must live up to their responsibility.
We are aware that the previous two boards did not finish their terms and it cannot be right that a third board equally not finish its term. They need to appreciate that they are getting to an SABC that had problems for quite some time. It is a process of trying to turn itself around. Their job should be to consolidate the momentum that is there and actually take the SABC to a higher level. They are getting to an SABC that has just received a negative audit outcome from the Auditor-General. Their work is therefore shortened.
Therefore, the call of the APC is that members of the board must live up to their public responsibility and duty. The Minister of Communications, and Parliament as well, need to exercise their oversight over the board much more rigorously than we have done before. With the slightest indication of problems in the board, Parliament and the Ministry must be able to step in to assist it to avert a spectacle of disintegrating like the previous two boards. I thank you. [Applause.]
Division demanded.
The House divided.
AYES - 203: Abram, S; Adams, P E; Ainslie, A R; Bam-Mugwanya, V; Bapela, K O; Beukman, F; Bhengu, F; Bhengu, N R; Bhengu, P; Bikani, F C; Bogopane- Zulu, H I; Bonhomme, T; Booi, M S; Borman, G M; Boshigo, D F; Botha, Y R; Burgess, C V; Carrim, Y I; Cele, M A; Chabane, O C; Chikunga, S; Chili, D O; Chohan, F I; Coleman, E M; Cronin, J P; Cwele, S C; Dambuza, B N; Daniels, P N; Diale, L N; Dikgacwi, M M; Dlakude, D E; Dlamini, B O; Dlomo, B J; Dubazana, Z S; Duma, N M; Dunjwa, M L; Ebrahim, E I; Frolick, C T; Fubbs, J L; Gaum, A H; Gcwabaza, N E; Gelderblom, J P; Gigaba, K M N; Gina, N; Godi, N T; Gololo, C L; Goqwana, M B; Gumede, D M; Hajaig, F; Hanekom, D A; Holomisa, S P; Huang, S - B; Jeffery, J H; Joemat-Pettersson, T M; Kekana, C D; Kenye, T E; Khoarai, L P; Kholwane, S E; Khumalo, F E; Khunou, N P; Koornhof, G W; Kota-Fredericks, Z A; Kubayi, M T; Landers, L T; Lekgetho, G; Lesoma, R M M; Line-Hendriks, H; Lishivha, T E; Luyenge, Z; Mabasa, X; Mabedla, N R; Mabuza, M C; Madlala, N M; Magagula, V V; Magama, H T; Magubane, E; Magwanishe, G; Mahomed, F; Makasi, X C; Makhubela- Mashele, L S; Makhubele, Z S; Malale, M l; Malgas, H H; Maluleka, H P; Maluleke, J M; Manamela, K B; Manganye, J; Mangena, M S; Manuel, T A; Mashatile, S P; Mashigo, R M; Mashishi, A C; Masilo, J M; Masutha, T M; Mathale, C C; Mathebe, D H; Mathibela, N F; Matlanyane, H F; Matshoba, J M; Maunye, M M; Mavunda, D W; Mayatula, S M; Maziya, A M; Mdaka, M N; Mdakane, M R; Mfulo, A; Mgabadeli, H C; Mjobo, L N; Mkhize, H B; Mkhulusi, N N P; Mlambo, E M; Mlangeni, A; Mmusi, S G; Mnisi, N A; Mocumi, P A; Moepeng, J K; Mohai, S J; Mohale, M C; Mokoena, A D; Molebatsi, M A; Molewa, B E E; Morutoa, M R; Moss, L N; Motlanthe, K P; Motsepe, R M; Motshekga, M S; Mthethwa, E M; Mufamadi, T A; Mushwana, F F; N'wamitwa-Shilubana, T L P; Nchabeleng, M E; Ndabandaba, L B G; Ndabeni, S T; Ndebele, J S; Ndlazi, A Z; Nelson, W J; Nene, N M; Newhoudt-Druchen, W S; Ngcengwane, N D; Ngcobo, B T; Ngcobo, E N N; Ngele, N J; Ngubeni-Maluleka, J P; Ngwenya, W; Ngwenya- Mabila, P C; Nhlengethwa, D G; Njikelana, S J; Nkwinti, G E; November, N T; Ntuli, Z C; Ntuli, B M; Nxesi, T W; Nxumalo, M D; Nyalungu, R E; Nyanda, S; Nyekemba, E; Oliphant, M N; Oliphant, G G; Peters, E D; Petersen-Maduna, P; Phaliso, M N; Pilane-Majake, M C C; Pilusa-Mosoane, M E; Radebe, G S; Radebe, J T; Radebe, B A; Ramodibe, D M; Saal, G; Schneemann, G D; September, C C; Sibanyoni, J B; Sibiya, D; Sindane, G S; Sisulu, L N; Sithole, S C N; Sizani, P S; Smith, V G; Snell, G T; Sogoni, E M; Sonto, M R; Sosibo, J E; Sotyu, M M; Suka, L; Sulliman, E M; Sunduza, T B; Tinto, B; Tlake, M F; Tobias, T V; Tsebe, S R; Tseke, G K; Tshabalala, J; Tshwete, P; Tsotetsi, D R; Twala, N M; Van der Merwe, S C; van Rooyen, D D; Van Schalkwyk, M C J; Wayile, Z G; Williams, A J; Williams-De Bruyn, S T; Xaba, P P; Yengeni, L E; Zulu, B Z;
NOES - 78: Berend, S R; Bhanga, B M; Boinamo, G G; Cebekhulu, R S; De Freitas, M S F; Diemu, B C; Ditshetelo, I C; Du Toit, N D; Duncan, P C; Eloff, E H; Esau, S; Ferguson, B D; George, D T; Greyling, L W; Harris, T; Hill-Lewis, G G; Hlengwa, M; James, W G; Kalyan, S V; Kganare, D A; Kilian, J D; Koornhof, N J J v R; Kotsi, C M P; Krumbock, G R; Kwankwa, N L; Lee, T D; Makhuba, H N; Marais, E J; Marais, S J F; Max, L H; Maynier, D J; Mazibuko, L D; Mbhele, P D; McIntosh, G B D; Michael, N W A; Mileham, K J; Mnqasela, M; Mokgalapa, S; More, E; Mosimane, C K K; Motau, S C; Mpontshane, A M; Msweli, H S; Mubu, K S; Mulder, C P; Ndude, H N; Ngonyama, L S; Nhanha, M A; Nkomo, S J; Ntshiqela, P; Ollis, I M; Rabie, P J; Ramatlakane, L; Rodgers, F A; Sayedali-Shah, M R; Schafer, D A; Schmidt, H C; Selfe, J; Shinn, M R; Skosana, M B; Smiles, D C; Smith, P F; Smuts, M; Steenhuisen, J H; Steyn, A C; Swathe, M M; Thring, W M; Van Dalen, P; Van den Berg, N J; Van Der Linde, N J; Van Der Merwe, L L; Van der Merwe, J H; Van Der Westhuizen, A P; Van Dyk, S M; Van Schalkwyk, H C; Waters, M; Watson, A; Wenger, M.
Question agreed to.
Ms R Kalidaas, Ms E Z Tshabalala, Mr K T Bonakele, Mr V Mavuso, Ms N Mhlakaza, Mr R Lubisi, Prof B Khumalo, Prof M O Maguvhe, Mr K Naidoo, Dr A Tshidzumba, Ms N Gosa and Ms H Zinde accordingly recommended for appointment as nonexecutive members of the SABC Board.