Committee moves to suspend Tshabalala, again
The Communications Portfolio Committee has sent a new memorandum to the Speaker of the National Assembly calling for the immediate suspension of Ellen Tshabalala as SABC Chairperson.
This follows a second unanimous agreement amongst Committee members that Ms. Tshabalala be suspended pending the outcome of the parliamentary Inquiry on 3 December.
The Committee believes that Ms. Tshabalala's suspension is crucial given the various delaying tactics she has employed to stall the Inquiry. What should have been a quick process has been dragged out for far too long. Already, there are indications that Ms. Tshabalala's legal team is pushing for another postponement.
The charges against Ms. Tshabalala are extremely serious, and the prima facie evidence against her is very compelling. Given the seriousness of the charges and the length of time it may take to finalise the matter, it is essential that she be suspended without delay.
Ms. Tshabalala's continued involvement at the SABC is problematic for a number of reasons: