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Communications Minister Faith Muthambi is unaware of any political interference at the public broadcaster.
Inkatha Freedom Party MP Liezel van der Merwe asked in Parliament today whether Muthambi found that the ongoing alleged political interference into the affairs of the SABC had led to its recent problems and, if not, what were the concerns that should be addressed at the SABC.
Muthambi answered: “Thank you very much Honourable van der Merwe for the question. As far as I am concerned as the shareholder, I am not aware of the alleged political interference in the affairs of the SABC.
“For the benefit of the honourable member, let me remind the house that the affairs of the SABC are governed by the Broadcasting Act No 4 of 1999 and the Constitution of the republic. The Broadcasting Act places the responsibility to manage the affairs of the SABC to the board of directors, supported by executive directors who manage the day to day operations of the corporation.
“Therefore, my role as the only shareholder is confined to providing oversight to ensure that the SABC achieves its public broadcasting services mandate, which is to educate, inform and entertain.”
According to Muthambi she has, since 2014, identified problems at the SABC, including findings by the Auditor-General.
“We have given the SABC board a clear mandate to address these concerns and I am happy to announce that the SABC board is doing well to execute this mandate. In the 2015-2016 financial year, honourable members, the SABC has paid off its debts, today we have a debt-free public broadcaster.”
Muthambi added that the SABC gave all political parties coverage during the recent local government elections, in line with Independent Communications Authority of South Africa regulations.
“Let me conclude by saying that there has not been any political party that lodged a formal complaint about the SABC coverage of the elections with the relevant authorities.”
In another question, Economic Freedom Fighters MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi wanted to know why Muthambi had taken no steps against SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng in light of his “alleged improper conduct and controversial decisions”, which had had a negative effect on the SABC.
“Let me remind you Honourable Ndlozi that in terms of the Broadcasting Act No. 4 of 1999, passed by this Parliament, the board of the SABC is entrusted to control the affairs of the corporation.”
She pointed out that the law provided for the fact that the executive committee, of which Motsoeneng is a member, was accountable to the council.
“Therefore, the Honourable member should know that Mr Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the chief operations officer at the SABC, reports directly to the group chief executive officer of the corporation.
In 2015, the portfolio committee on communications obtained a legal opinion that said that Muthambi did not act in accordance with the Broadcasting Act when she interfered with the SABC board.
Muthambi got a legal opinion to the contrary, which said that her actions were lawful under the Companies Act. She then also said to the committee that Parliament could not prescribe to her which laws she had to follow.
