Acting president Kgalema Motlanthe has appointed a new SABC board following last week’s endorsement of nominations by the national assembly.
The 12 new board members are Ellen Tshabalala, Noluthando Gosa, Ronnie Lubisi, Vusumusi Mavuso, Thembinkosi Bonakele, Rachel Kalidass, Bongani Khumalo, Hope Zinde, Mbulaheni Obert Maguvhe, Krish Naidoo, Nomvuyo Mhlakaza and Aaron Tshidzumba.
“Acting president Motlanthe congratulated all the new members of the SABC board and wished them well in the new endeavours,” the presidency said.
Tshabalala is chair of the interim SABC board, whose term expires at month end. Gosa is her deputy.
Parliament dissolved the broadcaster’s board earlier this year after infighting prompted all but one member to resign.
The portfolio committee on communications had a tight deadline to appoint a new board for the embattled public broadcaster, and last week named 12 candidates.
The nominations were approved by the ANC majority in the national assembly but rejected by opposition parties.
The Democratic Alliance said the list of names differed from those agreed on in the committee and expressed doubt that the new board would prove capable.
DA MP Marian Shinn said parliament had been presented with an opportunity to select a new board that would steer the SABC to calmer waters.
Instead the ANC’s majority on the committee chose to select candidates on the basis of party political loyalties.
It will be the SABC’s fourth board since 2009. — Sapa
