Hon Chairperson, in terms of section 14(b) of the Broadcasting Act, which makes provision that the members of the SABC board, when viewed or assessed collectively, must be persons or a person who is committed to fairness, freedom of expression, the right of the public to be informed, openness and accountability on the part of those holding public office.
I must also continue to say that, in line with the ANC policy resolutions and other government targets which promote gender equality and a generational mix, the ANC recommends the appointment of Ms Leah Khumalo as she is the best and most suitable candidate to be appointed to the SABC board. Her qualifications speak for themselves. Her experience and expertise in the ITC sector, particularly in broadcasting, which includes serving on the risk and audit committee of Sentech and acting as the Sentech chairperson of the committee.
She was also instrumental in the rolling out of the low power transmitter to allow citizens access to both radio and television services offered by the SABC. She also contributed to direct-to-home, DTH, satellite broadcasting, which will ensure and speed up access of broadcasting to the rural areas, in particular and a digital migration television master plan of the Department of Communications, DOC, during her term as a Sentech board member.
In closing, one should also assure this House that, as the ANC, we are focusing on the appointment of the candidate, not other SABC matters. Hence the ANC requests this House to endorse the name of Leah Khumalo as a board member of the SABC. Thank you.
Question agreed to (Independent Democrats and Democratic Alliance dissenting).
Ms Leah Thabisile Khumalo accordingly recommended for appointment to the Board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation.