Hey, she said so. Princess Stella's attitude was unfortunately not limited to the red carpet. It became patently clear that the Minister thought herself to be a fairytale princess to whom all must bow.
Her approach and treatment of the SA Broadcasting Corporation, SABC, is indeed of one who considers themselves above the law that applies to us common folk.
Last week, the Minister ...
IsiZulu:
Ubukhona wena ...
English:
... claimed that the judgement of the High Court in the case SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition versus the Minister of Communications and others and by implication, the Broadcasting Act, did not necessarily apply to her in all cases as the Minister of Communications.
In reference to the effects of the Broadcasting Act and its implication of the Minister's relationship with the SABC board; in the judgement, Judge Matojane held - listen carefully here -
Because the SABC is medium ... [Interjections.] ...
Lalelani! [Listen!]
... that should allow the free flow of ideas that are necessary for our democracy to function, the state must ensure that it has structural and operational independence.
The judgement further reads:
The Minister as a soul shareholder and not a member of the board does not have the right to act on behalf of the SABC or manage its business or affairs. The ultimate decision- making power is that of the board and not the Minister as a soul shareholder. [Applause.]
Listen, this means that the Minister has a constitutional duty to work with the SABC without unduly interfering in its operational decisions taken by the board.
Before you deny it, this is not my own interpretation of the judgement in the Broadcasting Act but that of a constitutional law professor.
Minister, through you, Chair, if you consider yourself above the law and the courts ...
IsiZulu:
Hhayi, uzoshelela kabi. [Ubuwelewele.]
English:
The editorial of the City Press, this Sunday, if your behaviour thus far is anything to go by is correct.
Hlaudi Motsoeneng took the SABC to the edge of the cliff and you appear to be determined to push it over.
Minister, please, be sure to protect ... [Interjections.] - I don't know why they get so excited ... [Inaudible.] - my time, please!