Parliament – Communications Minister Faith Muthambi, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and the so-called SABC 8 were on Tuesday included in the list of witnesses that will be called by the ad hoc committee probing the fitness of the broadcaster’s board.
The committee, meeting for the first time in the wake of weekend reports of death threats against the eight SABC journalists, agreed to ask for witnesses protection for anybody on the list of 30-plus people it plans to call to testify.
The proposal came from MPs across the political spectrum, with the African National Congress’ Patrick Chauke telling newly elected chairman Vincent Smith: “You must have that meeting with the SAPS as a matter of urgency, before the end of the day.”
The Democratic Alliance’s Phumzile van Damme said the eight needed protection from people “with mafia tendencies”.
The eight, who were suspended for questioning editorial policy, are pursuing a Constitutional Court challenge to what is widely regarded as censorship at the SABC.
Smith also agreed that where witnesses felt fearful of testifying in public, they should be allowed to give evidence in camera.
“I think we have a strong enough case. It is about making sure that everyone feels free to come and testify.”
The committee named parliamentary law advisor Thuthuzeli Vanara as evidence leader.
It resolved to request the minutes and documents relating to the board’s decision to remove Rachel Kalidass, Ronnie Lubisi and the late Hope Zinde as members, as well as those that dealt with decisions on the appointment of former chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
Madonsela will be interviewed on her report When Governance and Ethics Fail, which recommended disciplinary steps against Motsoeneng, but which was met with scant regard from Muthambi who instead appointed him to the post in a permanent capacity.
MPs agreed that the committee, which has a budget of some R400,000, would allow witnesses to be assisted by legal counsel but Smith stressed that they would have to pay for it personally.
The committee was mandated to conduct an inquiry into the fitness of the three members of the SABC board to hold office. They were left after Krish Naidoo and Musi Mavuso resigned last month, in part in protest against the decision to re-appoint Motsoeneng in another top position after the courts overruled Muthambi’s decision.
In a twist, it emerged on Tuesday that a further two board members, Nomvuyo Mhlakaza and Aaron Tshidzumba had resigned at the weekend with immediate effect. The presidency confirmed that their resignations were tendered and accepted.
Asked whether this affected the raison d’étre of the ad hoc committee, Smith said he would argue that it did not, even if the last remaining member, chairman Mbulaheni Maguvhe, were to quit.
Maguvhe is on record as saying the inquiry would not prompt him to tender his resignation.
Smith also told reporters that he had insisted that the Companies Act form part of the considerations of the committee in order that its work may help to ensure sound governance at the broadcaster in the future.
Muthambi has on at least two occasions when the board’s decisions were criticised as unlawful, defended these on the basis that they were in line with the Companies Act and that it trumped the Broadcasting Act.
The committee scheduled its next meeting for November 29 and will hold hearings until Parliament rises on December 9, or longer if needed, Smith said.
It must hand a final report to the National Assembly on February 15 next year.
African News Agency