Shortlisting of candidates for the SABC Board

Meeting report

Shortlisting of Candidates for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Board
The Chairperson informed the Committee that the only item on the agenda was the short-listing of candidates to fill 4 vacancies on the board of the SABC. He announced that a task team, comprised of all parties represented in the Committee, had met earlier that morning to discuss and reach consensus on the names that would be shortlisted. Lastly, he encouraged Members to look at the skills of the candidates and to refer to legislation to see what skills maybe required of board members.

Ms J Kilian (COPE) commented that the Committee had excluded nominees who had submitted their applications after the set deadline. This was unfortunate as there were qualified applicants who had missed out. However, it was necessary for the Committee to adhere to its deadlines. She also noted that self-nominations were received and these had not been declined.

The Chairperson replied that self-nominations were “worrying”, but noted that there was nothing that prohibited the Committee from considering such a candidate. In addition, he confirmed that 7 nominations were received after the cut-off date and were not considered.

Ms N Michael (DA) agreed that late submissions should not be considered and echoed the view that the rules have to be respected. The task team had attempted to include people with various qualifications who could assist the SABC in bettering its viewership, appeal and financial position in selecting the shortlisted candidates. The DA was happy with the names that were selected.

An ANC MP commented that his party also agreed with the list of candidates that had been put forward.

Mr K Zondi (IFP) expressed his party’s gratitude for the amount of interest shown in filling of the vacant posts. He noted that there was no steam-rolling of candidates, there was a give-and-take approach and that everyone on the short-list would fill the positions well. The Committee was mindful that candidates met the required skills and gender balance.

An ANC member commented that the Committee needed to re-look at who should be in attendance at meetings concerning the short-listing of candidates.

The Chairperson replied that the point was taken and the issue would be looked at again. For now the process would be open.

Ms Kilian stated that there was a common understanding among all parties that people with financial and auditing skills were required on the board. This thinking governed the task team’s approach and the candidates were selected to compliment this need.

The Chairperson thanked the Members the names of the candidates that had been selected.

The 14 shortlisted candidates were as follows: Mr Kenneth Herold, Dr Sethe Makhesha, Professor Sadhasivan Perumal, Ms Maureen Manywama Matome, Mr John Danana, Adv Cawekazi Mahlati, Mr Lumko Mtimde, Mr Vusumuzi Mavuso, Professor David Mosoma, Ms Xoliswa Kula-Ameyaw, Mr Peter Drunchen, Professor Mahavishnu Padayachee, Ms Fawzia Moodley and Mr Govin Reddy

The Chairpeson indicated that the interviews would take place the following week.

The meeting was adjourned.