The Congress of South African Trade Unions congratulates the National Assembly for passing the Broadcasting Amendment Bill, which allows Parliament to remove from office any or all of the members of the Board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which was not possible under the existing Broadcasting Act.

This bill paves the way for the removal of the unrepresentative board which was appointed by President Mbeki immediately after the ANC National Conference in Polokwane in the teeth of strong opposition from COSATU and a wide range of civil society organisations who condemned the new board which was dominated by business interests and did not contain any trade unionists or working journalists.

The passing of the bill is a triumph for democracy, and a victory for COSATU and all its allies in the ‘Save our SABC' campaign, who have been campaigning for a more accountable and representative body to head our national broadcaster. The bill is being studied carefully to ensure that it does not contain any loopholes or clauses which could have unintended consequences, so that any necessary amendments can be incorporated into the bill when it goes to the National Council of Provinces.

We urge the NCOP and the President then to ratify the bill immediately, so that Parliament can proceed with the appointment of a board which speaks for all South Africans and transform the SABC into a public broadcaster which truly reflects the views and interests of all the people of South Africa.

Statement issued by COSATU August 14 2008