Johannesburg - SABC board chairwoman Zandile Ellen Tshabalala looks set to become the first casualty of the political fallout over the controversial appointment of the corporation’s chief operations officer.
Parliament’s communications portfolio committee on Monday unanimously agreed to establish an official inquiry into her conduct for lying about her academic qualifications. The committee will also recommend to President Jacob Zuma that he immediately suspend Tshabalala pending the finalisation of the inquiry.
The decision of the committee comes amid court action against the permanent appointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng as chief operating officer, which Tshabalala backed.
Motsoeneng’s appointment was pushed through by the board and approved by Communications Minister Faith Muthambi. Reports at the time suggested Tshabalala forced the board’s hand at a late-night meeting, during which she read out a letter from Motsoeneng’s lawyers.
The move divided the board and had immediate political repercussions, with the ANC’s allies condemning the appointment and the ruling party summoning Muthambi to Luthuli House to explain. Muthambi has since been taken to court by the DA, challenging the Motsoeneng appointment.
Motsoeneng has survived all attempts to oust him from his lucrative post, reportedly because he enjoys Zuma’s political patronage.
Tshabalala does not appear to have the same pull. The law requires that the president approve the appointment of the SABC board, as well as the suspension and removal of its members, meaning her ultimate fate lies in Zuma’s hands. But it is unlikely the president will override the parliamentary committee overseeing the SABC.
The portfolio committee will meet next week to finalise the scope of the inquiry against Tshabalala.
Chairwoman of the committee Joyce Moloi-Moropa said the inquiry was established in line with the Broadcasting Act.
Senior legal adviser to Parliament Ntuthuzelo Vanara told the committee that Tshabalala must be given a week to respond in full to the nature and scope of the probe against her.
Deputy Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said the committee could set processes in motion but it was Zuma who had the power to make final decisions on the appointment or removal of the board members.
“I want to advise members of the portfolio committee that the chairperson of the board is appointed by the president and parliament recommends,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.
Moloi-Moropa said they needed to get a full sitting of parliament to approve the recommendations to Zuma to suspend Tshabalala immediately. Parliament is set to make the recommendations next week.
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago did not respond to calls or text messages at the time of publication.
The Star
* This story has been updated. - IOL