Media Development & Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board: candidate interviews

Meeting report

Candidates were asked the following questions:

•They were asked to give a brief description of their background (who they were and what they had achieved) in relation to the job they were applying for.

•They were asked why they thought they were the best candidates for the position.

•They were asked to share their views about what mistakes the MDDA Board had made and how they would fix those mistakes.

•They were asked to elaborate on their expertise, and what critical contributions they would bring to the MDDA

•Candidates were asked to explain how they would transform the MDDA.

•Candidates were asked to elaborate about how they would develop and promote media diversity in terms of content in the main stream media.

•They were asked what they would do about insufficient funding which was one of the key challenges of the MDDA Board

•They were asked if they thought that the role and objectives of the MDDA had been achieved ever since its inception in terms of expanding community based media.

•They were asked whether the community based media does make an impact in the communities it serves in relation to the mandate of the MDDA.

•They were asked to explain the areas they would focus on if they were appointed to the MDDA Board.

•Former Board Members were asked to elaborate on what did they had brought to the organisation when they were appointed as board members in their first term.

•They were asked how they would penetrate the big media houses in terms of seeking assistance for the small community based media.

•They were also asked which areas needed changes in order to take the organization forward.

•They were asked if the regulatory framework existed to address competition in the media and if there were weaknesses in terms of regulations, what do they thought should change in the MDDA Act.

•They were asked how they would measure their objectives in terms of capacity building in community based media in order for it to become sustainable.

•They were asked how they would ensure a good system of monitoring in the community based media.

Refer to audio recordings for responses.

Deliberations

The Committee thereafter deliberated on the matter. Consequently, they unanimously recommended that the following candidates be appointed to serve on the MDDA Board:

1. Ms Louise Carol Vale

2. Ms Nadia Bulbulia

3. Ms Phelisa Nkomo

Other Matters
Appointments of Nominees for the SABC Board
The Chairperson asked Members to briefly discuss the issue of the extended deadline for the appointment of nominees of the SABC Board.

Ms M Magazi (ANC) proposed that the Committee should extend the date of appointments of nominees by two weeks.

Ms N Michael (DA) supported the proposal.

The Committee resolved to give two weeks extension for the appointment of nominees to the SABC Board

The meeting was adjourned.