Minister denies SABC board interference

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi Photo: Elmond Jiyane

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi Photo: Elmond Jiyane

Published Jan 14, 2015

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Durban - Communication Minister Faith Muthambi has denied that she is interfering with the SABC board and that she is considering suspending certain board members.

Muthambi’s denial follows the sudden resignation this week of board member Professor Bongani Khumalo

It also comes after a statement by DA communications spokesman Gavin Davis who said Muthambi must explain her “unlawful interference” with the SABC board.

Davis said the DA understood that Muthambi had written to certain SABC board members asking that they give her reasons why they should not be suspended. He said they had been given until Thursday to respond.

“It is not clear what led to the letter being sent or why certain SABC board members are being targeted by the minister, although it appears to be residual fallout from the minister’s appointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng as chief operations officer,” said Davis.

He said such ministerial interference in the SABC board “is manifestly unlawful”.

Muthambi’s spokesman Ayanda Holo said she was not considering suspending certain board members.

“The minister treats her communication of entities under her political oversight, or absence of such communication, strictly private and confidential, save to say that the minister would not ordinarily write a letter to call upon directors of the SABC to give reasons why they should not be suspended since she does not have powers to suspend them,” said Holo.

“The minister wishes to assure the public that she is working to stabilise the board and the management at the SABC and much has been achieved to put the SABC on a path to excel in delivering its mandate.”

Davis said he has written to the chairwoman of the portfolio committee, Joyce Moloi-Moropa, to ask that Muthambi be called to the committee to explain why she was unlawfully interfering in the appointment and removal of SABC board members.

He wants the committee to ask Muthambi what she hopes to achieve.

Political Bureau

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