DA urges Ellen Tshabalala not to resign

23 September 2014

The DA notes reports that SABC Chairperson, Ellen Tshabalala, may resign over the qualifications scandal that has engulfed her in the last few months. We urge her not to resign and face the music in Parliament instead.

If Ms. Tshabalala resigns, there will be no parliamentary Inquiry into her conduct. This will rob us of an opportunity to ascertain once and for all whether she lied to Parliament when she claimed to have a B Com and diploma from UNISA. 

In the meantime, we call on President Zuma to give effect to the Communication Portfolio Committee's resolution to suspend Ms. Tshabalala pending the outcome of the Inquiry scheduled for 14 October 2014.

Ms. Tshabalala has consistently denied lying about her qualifications. The parliamentary Inquiry is an ideal opportunity for her to prove her innocence. 

If Ms. Tshabalala does decide to jump before she is pushed, she should be aware that the case against her will not go away. Lying to Parliament may amount to perjury, which is a criminal offence. The DA will ensure that she is held accountable for the allegations against her.

Statement issued by Gavin Davis MP, DA Shadow Minister of Communications, September 23 2014

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