Parliament, Tuesday, 6 December 2022 – The National Assembly (NA) at its plenary sitting this afternoon resolved to recommend candidates for consideration to serve on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Board and passed the Children’s Amendment Bill.
The NA approved the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies’ report on the filling of 12 non-executive board vacancies following the expiry of the term of the previous SABC Board on 15 October 2022.
The NA recommendation on the SABC Board was done in terms of section 13(1) of the Broadcasting Act of 1999 Act, which states that non-executive members must be appointed by the President on the advice of the National Assembly.
The process of filling of the vacancies follows a letter dated 13 June 2022, received from the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, informing the National Assembly of the impending expiry the current SABC board of directors’ term of office 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. The candidates are: Dr Renee Horne; Adv Tseliso Thipanyane; Mr Khathutshelo Ramukumba; Prof Franz Krüger; Ms Nomvuyiso Batyi; Ms Phathiswa Magopeni; Ms Aifheli Makhwanya; Ms Magdalene Moonsamy; Ms Rearabetsoe Motaung; Mr David Maimela; Mr Dinkwanyane Mohuba and Mr Mpho Tsedu.
The report further states that the committee made a decision to select three additional names, which will serve as a reserve pool to cater for any eventuality given the period it has taken to complete the process. The following names on the pool are confirmed as: Mr Zolani Matthews; Ms Palesa Kadi and Mr Quentin Green.
The reports, which the NA agreed to today, may be read in the official parliamentary paper (Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports dated 25 November 2022), starting on page 4: https://www.parliament.gov.za/storage/app/media/Docs/atc/43ab4dca-1004-45fe-9dfe-89d53da18bbe.pdf
The candidates will be sent to the President for his consideration and appointment.
NA also approved the report the Children’s Amendment Bill. The Bill provides for, among other things, children’s right to privacy and protection of information, the rights of unmarried fathers, medical testing of children in need of care and protection or adoption, the rules relating to care and protection proceedings and the designation and functions for a Registrar of the National Child Protection Register.
The Bill will be sent to the President for ascent.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo
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