Communications minister Faith Muthambi said on Wednesday she is not yet in a position to comment on the Western Cape high court ruling against SABC chair Zandile Tshabalala.
“I have just come directly from a cabinet committee meeting and have not been briefed yet,” she said in a speech prepared for delivery.
“So, I will not be in a position to comment on that matter until I am fully briefed. However, the chairperson of the portfolio committee on communications is better placed at this stage to advise what the next course of action will be as this matter is in parliament’s hands.”
Tshabalala is accused of lying about her academic qualifications when applying for the job of SABC chair.
Tshabalala obtained an interim interdict on 23 October, halting the parliamentary inquiry into whether she lied about her qualifications.
She stated on her CV that she had a BComm degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa) and a postgraduate degree in labour relations.
Unisa has since stated that, according to its records, she had neither of these qualifications.
The court on Wednesday refused Tshabalala an order to halt the continuation of the inquiry.
Judge Elizabeth Baartman did not immediately provide full reasons for her judgment, merely stating: “Order for relief refused and no order on costs.” — Sapa
