Cape Town - SABC board chairwoman Zandile Tshabalala got some wiggle room after MPs’ cross-party political unity cracked when it emerged a unilateral change had been made to the misconduct charges against her for allegedly misrepresenting her qualifications.
The parliamentary communications committee on Tuesday postponed its inquiry into Tshabalala’s qualifications amid concerns by some MPs that Parliament could be hauled to court for what was described as a technical change to the charge sheet and also because Tshabalala’s legal team said it needed time to prepare given the revised charges, among other legal issues.
After two hours of deliberations when MPs’ frustration boiled over for what they unanimously called the SABC board chairwoman’s delaying tactics, an adjournment for a committee caucus was called.
An hour later, the political parties’ agreement that the inquiry should push ahead was in tatters as ANC MPs appeared to get cold feet given the possible threat of legal action.
The problem in the almost three-month long committee process is understood to be a technical addition to the charge of making a false statement under oath, said to have been introduced by a parliamentary legal adviser without consultation.
It concerns adding a phrase regarding the loss of qualifications in a house burglary over 12 years ago to explain why proof of qualifications could not be produced.
After the one-hour caucus adjournment, efforts by committee chairperson Joyce Moloi-Moropa to get everyone on the same page regarding the charge sheet were dismissed by Arendse, who argued the matter could not proceed piecemeal. Then the postponement was announced; DA MP Gavin Davis and EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi formally put on record their opposition.
Moloi-Moropa confirmed to the Cape Argus later that “serious discussions” had taken place during the one-hour adjournment. Although many MPs opposed a postponement, it was decided the rules of justice should be accommodated.
“It was a painful thing to do,” Moloi-Moropa said regarding the postponement, adding the committee was determined to push ahead with the inquiry.
Speaking to reporters on the sideline of the committee, Tshabalala said she was reserving her rights “if the matter becomes litigious” - and re-iterated her view as expressed in earlier correspondence to the committee that MPs were treating her unfairly and had “prejudged” the inquiry.
It is understood the inquiry is set to resume either on October 23 or 24.
Last month MPs unanimously agreed to call for Tshabalala’s suspension, but this recommendation was not relayed by Parliament to the Presidency pending the actual inquiry. The president, who appoints the SABC board chairperson, would await the outcome of the parliamentary process, presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said.
Meanwhile, Tshabalala also faces an inquiry into her qualifications by Transnet, where she serves on the board.
Political Bureau