Jimmy Manyi's MDDA appointment a threat to media freedom
Today the ANC will use its majority in the National Assembly to recommend that President Zuma approve Jimmy Manyi's appointment to the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board.
The ANC members of the Portfolio Committee on Communications were adamant that the controversial former Cabinet spokesperson and CEO of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), was the best candidate for the job. The Democratic Alliance however voted against Mr Manyi due to his questionable track record in government and the fact that there were more appropriate candidates on offer.
Mr Manyi's appointment would without a doubt strike a serious blow to media freedom, tarnish the MDDA's reputation and may even be unlawful.
According to the MDDA Act:
The MDDA must exercise its powers without political interference. The appointment of the former government spokesperson to the agency clearly jeopardises the independence of the entity.
A person is disqualified from board membership if he has "as a result of improper conduct, been removed from an office of trust". In 2010 Mr Manyi was suspended from his position as Department of Labour Director General without explanation.
Members of the Board must be persons who are "committed to fairness, freedom of expression, openness and accountability". In 2011, Mr Manyi threatened to withdraw advertising revenue from newspapers that did not toe the line in their coverage of the government.
The fostering of diversity in the media is a key legislative mandate of the MDDA. Mr Manyi has an extensive history of making racially divisive comments.
Mr Manyi is simply unfit for this position and the DA will today vote against his appointment.
We view his appointment as another component of the ANC's assault on press freedom.
The Democratic Alliance will monitor Mr Manyi's deployment to the MDDA Board and will oppose any legislation or MDDA activities that undermine press freedom.
Statement issued by Marian Shinn MP, DA Shadow Minister of Communications, March 12 2014
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