... 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.]