The National Assembly (NA) has approved the recommended nominees for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board of directors.
Tuesday, during its plenary session, the National Assembly adopted the report of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on the appointment of 12 non-executive board seats, after the expiration of the previous SABC Board’s term on 15 October 2022.
According to section 13(1) of the Broadcasting Act of 1999, non-executive members must be chosen by the President with the advice of the National Assembly.
Parliament said in a statement that the process of filling the vacancies is in response to a letter dated 13 June 2022 from the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies advising the National Assembly that the present SABC Board of Directors’ term would expire on 15 October 2022.
“The committee undertook an extensive public consultation process, which included the publishing of an advertisement in the media, calling for nominations for appointment to constitute the SABC Board. The advertisement was published in all 11 South African official languages in national, regional and community newspapers.
“A total of 120 nominations were received, including names that appeared more than once, due to some individuals being nominated by different people and/or organisations. In its report to the NA, the committee recommended 12 candidates based on their performance during the interview process,” Parliament said.
The recommended nominees include Dr Renee Horne; Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane; Khathutshelo Ramukumba; Professor Franz Krüger; Nomvuyiso Batyi; Phathiswa Magopeni; Aifheli Makhwanya; Magdalene Moonsamy; Rearabetsoe Motaung; David Maimela; Dinkwanyane Mohuba and Mpho Tsedu.
Given the length of time it has taken to finish the selection process, the report indicates that the committee has decided to choose three extra names to serve as a reserve pool.
Zolani Matthews, Palesa Kadi, and Quentin Green are the confirmed members of the pool.
The names of the contenders will be sent to the President for his consideration and selection.
Report on the Children’s Amendment Bill is passed.
The session also approved the Children’s Amendment Bill report, which will now be forwarded to the President for approval.
The bill stipulates, among other things, the right of children to privacy and protection of their information, the rights of unmarried fathers, medical testing of children in need of care and protection or adoption, the rules governing care and protection proceedings, and the designation and duties of a Registrar of the National Child Protection Register.
»SA National Assembly (NA) has approved nominees for the SABC board«