DA pleased SABC parliamentary inquiry has begun in earnest
15 November 2016
The DA is pleased that the Ad Hoc Committee on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Board Inquiry has today begun its work in earnest.
We welcome the agreement by the other members of the Ad Hoc committee to a number of our requests relating to pertinent issues that are vital to ensuring a successful inquiry.
The Ad Hoc Committee agreed to address the following concerns, raised by the DA, in the lead-up to the next meeting on November 29:
- That the committee will work tirelessly, including over weekends, to deal effectively and fully with the issues at the SABC;
- That former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, will be invited to give evidence as the author of the "When Governance and Ethics Fail" report;
- That Communications Minister, Faith Muthambi, be added to the witness list;
- That the Committee will address the security concerns of the SABC 8 and all other witnesses who will be invited to the inquiry- as the intimidation and threats to the lives of these individuals is a serious issue. I have already written to the acting National Police Commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane, who has noted my letter with a promise to reply in due course. I have also suggested that the Committee Chair, the ANC’s Vincent Smith, write to the acting NPC to request the same.
We note the resignation of two non-executive board members, Vuyo Mhlakaza and Aaron Tshidzumba but we do not believe that that should stop the inquiry, even if the remaining member, Obert Mughave resigns. It is imperative that the committee should continue the inquiry in order to get to the bottom of the serious governance issues facing the SABC.
The DA will continue to fight for the restoration of stability at the national broadcaster, which has been captured by Zuma and his cronies, who have no concern for the millions of South Africans who look to the SABC for much needed information.
Issued by Phumzile Van Damme, DA Shadow Minister of Communications, 15 November 2016
