Pretoria – The newly appointed SABC Board must put the interests of the public broadcaster first and not allow personality clashes to hamper their work.
In an interview with GCIS Radio News, Eric Kholwane, the chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications, said the main challenge with past boards that collapsed was not because they were incompetent, but that egos were allowed to dominate the boardroom, which led to board members falling out.
Kholwane said this after the committee released the names of 12 board members for consideration by the National Assembly following weeks of lobbying and interviews.
“… Those who are finally going to make it to the board must put the interests of the SABC first, [rather] than interpersonal relations.
“Boards are collapsing because of interpersonal relations, not necessarily because they don’t have the skills of what they are supposed to do. We have to clarify that from the onset. At all times, we must try to limit what the board must do and make sure they don’t interfere with the executive,” he said.
The previous board collapsed following the resignations of the then board chairperson Ben Ngubane and his deputy Thami ka Plaatjie reportedly over differences on the board’s resolutions.
Kholwane said these kinds of problems should not be allowed to repeat themselves.
The names of the 12 people need to be endorsed by National Assembly and thereafter, President Jacob Zuma has to accept their appointments.
Amongst those that made the list are Ellen Tshabalala, the interim board member, her deputy Noluthando Gosa, former Public Service Commission member Vusumuzi Mavuso and chartered accountant Ronnie Lubisi.
Rachel Kalidaas, Thembinkosi Bonakele, Nomvuyo Mhlakaza, Bongani Khumalo, Mbulaheni Maguvhe, Krish Naidoo, Aaron Tshidzumba and Hope Zinde, who is a former SABC presenter, make up the rest of the list.
The names will be presented to the National Assembly on Thursday.
Kholwane said he was confident that those who made the list would be able to carry the SABC out of its governance issues, amongst other challenges, that led to Auditor-General Terence Nombembe giving the public broadcaster a bad audit. – SAnews.gov.za
