(Subcommittee) SABC Vacancy: Discussion & Recommendation

Meeting report

The Chairperson convened the meeting and indicated that the subcommittee needed to deliberate on the outcome following interviews held to fill one vacancy on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) board.

Briefing on the interview outcomes for one vacancy on the board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Committee Secretary, Mr Thembinkosi Ngoma, provided Members with a recap on the appointment process to fill one vacancy on the SABC board.

The Broadcasting Act states the 12 non-executive members of the SABC board must be appointed by the President following recommendation by the National Assembly.

The SABC board currently has 11 non-executive members due to the resignation of Ms Bernedette Muthien. Hence, the task of the subcommittee is to nominate a person to fill the vacancy in accordance with provisions of the Broadcasting Act, 1999.

The subcommittee’s process to fill the vacancy was summarised. The subcommittee consists of seven members of who four were from the African National Congress (ANC), one from the Democratic Alliance (DA), one from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and one from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). Out of the 69 nominations, the subcommittee shortlisted six candidates with one candidate having withdrawn prior to the interviews. The interviews were held on 3 September 2021.

The subcommittee was given the task of deliberating on the interviews' outcome and recommending a candidate.  

Deliberation

Mr T Gumbu (ANC) nominated Dr Rene Horne as the party’s preferred candidate.

Mr S Malatsi (DA) nominated Dr Rene Horne as the DA’s preferred candidate. He recommended the candidate on the solid understanding and innovative insights that the candidate had demonstrated through the interview. He believed that the candidate’s skill set would complement the existing skillset on the SABC board.

Mr V Pambo (EFF) nominated Ms Senamile Masango as the EFF’s preferred candidate.

Ms Z Majozi (IFP) nominated Ms Senamile Masango as the IFP’s preferred candidate.

Given that each candidate had endorsement from two political parties, the Chairperson asked Members to motivate and persuade each other to reach consensus on one name.  

Ms Majozi said that she had noted Ms Masango’s qualification as well as her determination to work for the SABC. She was very impressed with the candidate's qualities in the interview that she had not seen in Dr Horne. For that, she would stick to Ms Masango.

Mr Pambo said that he understood that in the spirit of progress, the opportunities would be given to the preferred candidate of the DA and the ANC, although he was not persuaded. He highlighted the importance of considering politics of the day when selecting candidates with the same or similar qualifications. Ms Masango was a young black woman who had shown great achievement and commitment to serving the country. Hence, he asked other Members to consider giving her a chance.

Mr Malatsi agreed that it was a tricky decision to make as the subcommittee always strived to reach consensus. He was still not persuaded by his two colleagues, Mr Pambo and Ms Majozi, that Ms Masango should be the preferred candidate. He still believed that Dr Horne was the right choice. He further advised his two colleagues to consider Dr Horne because of the short-term she would serve, if selected. He argued that more comprehensive evaluation of candidates can be left for the refilling of the vacancy after this term had expired.  

Mr Gumbu also indicated that he was not persuaded by his two colleagues either. Dr Horne has shown vast experience and knowledge and had done excellently in the interview.

Ms Majozi indicated that she was unwell and requested to take a break.

After the break, the Chairperson enquired whether Members would leave it to the full committee to decide on the recommended candidate.  

Mr Pambo said that he was adamant about his candidate, but he also understood concession. In the spirit of moving forward, he conceded to the recommendation of Dr Horne.  

Ms Majozi agreed given that the subcommittee would still have an opportunity to thoroughly review all candidates when this term expired

Resolution

Dr Rene Horne was recommended as the candidate to fill the vacancy on the SABC board.

The meeting was adjourned.