DA calls on Zuma to rescind Maghuve's appointment until legal opinion is dealt with

22 June 2015

The DA has today written to President Zuma requesting him to rescind the appointment of Professor Obert Maghuve as Chairperson of the SABC Board. The appointment was announced by the Presidency on Friday.

Professor Maghuve was the Acting Chairperson of the SABC Board when it removed Hope Zinde, Rachel Kalidass and Ronnie Lubisi from the Board. A legal opinion drafted by Parliament’s legal unit has since found that the Board’s removal of these three members was illegal.

The DA contends that it was irrational for the President to appoint Professor Maghuve when the Portfolio Committee is still considering the legal opinion and the next steps to take in this regard. These next steps may well include legal action against Professor Maghuve for his role in the illegal removal of these board members.

We believe that the President should have held off on the appointment until Parliament clarifies what action it will take against Professor Maghuve. 

Tomorrow, Tuesday 23 June, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi is due to appear before the Communications Portfolio Committee. We want the Minister to tell us why she believes the unilateral removal of three SABC board members was lawful, when a parliamentary legal opinion has since found that their removal was illegal.

In the meantime, President Zuma should rescind the appointment of Professor Maghuve until we have much-needed clarity on the next steps to take.

Statement issued by Gavin Davis MP, DA Shadow Minister Communications, June 22 2015