Interviews of IBA Councillor Candidates

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Communications and Digital Technologies

17 March 1998
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PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
17 March 1998
INTERVIEWS OF IBA CANDIDATES

Each of the 7 candidates were interviewed by the committee for approximately 40 minutes, with the exception of the last two which were 35 and 30 minutes, respectively. Each candidate was first greeted by the Chairperson, Mr. Moeti (ANC) and then asked whether there were any reason why the candidate could be disqualified under the disqualification clause of the act; each asserted that they could not.

Ms. M. Della Togna

Ms. Smuts (DP) asked whether the candidate’s youth indicated a lack of experience. Ms. Togna replied that although she is only 27 years old, she has 9 years of broadcasting experience as well as experience as the project coordinator for Community Video Education Trust.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) stated that he did not regard youth as a handicap and asked whether or not the candidate was satisfied with the amount of local content currently on the air, and whether language differences should affect local content. Ms. Togna replied that there is not enough local content, especially in television broadcasting. She agreed that it was important to include different languages but disagreed with the use of certain technologies.

Ms. Vos (IFP) asked the candidate to discuss her views on provincial public broadcasting. Ms. Togna agreed that there is a role for provincial broadcasting and reiterated the importance of including local content.

Mr. Mohlamonyane (ANC) asked what was to be done when certain groups disagree with the content, giving the example of sex education. Ms. Togna answered that in that scenario, AIDS education should override any secular interest.

Ms. Verwoerd (ANC) asked the candidate to state generally her view of the future of broadcasting in regards to racial and gender equality. Ms. Togna responded that since TV is a powerful medium, it should be used to promote equality. In her opinion, however, such equality was likely to take many years.

Mr. Green (ACDP) asked what was to be done for those in the rural areas who are eager to become involved in radio. Ms. Togna discussed the role of the IBA in providing access through licensing.

Mr. Swanepoel (NP) inquired into the issue of funding of public broadcasting versus commercial broadcasting. Ms. Togna stated that she did not have a background in finance but discussed the healthiness of competition and the need for funds for public broadcasting.

Mr. Magashule (ANC) and Ms. Vos (IFP) asked questions regarding the independence of the IBA. Ms. Togna responded that the IBA should remain as independent as possible in light of the merger.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) asked Ms. Togna to discuss how political advertisement should be handled. She responded that political parties should be able to educate the public via TV and radio, but that the amount of time given to each party should be monitored.


2. Mr. M.M. Mthembu

Ms. Van der Merwe (ANC) inquired into the candidate’s interest in serving on the IBA. Mr. Mtembu related his commitment to fairness and justice.

Ms. Smuts (DP) asked him what his experience was in media law. Mr. Mthembu responded that because he was disadvantaged under the former government, he was unable to acquire experience in media law.

Mr. Green (ACDP) asked Mr. Mthembu’s policy recommendations for religious broadcasting. Mr. Mthembu replied that he is a Christian and that he feels that all religions should be given broadcasting rights. Mr. Green then asked whether Satanism should also be given the same privilege. Mr. Mthembu responded that he was unsure whether free speech should include Satanism.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) asked whether the candidate’s 6 month trip to the U.S. to study elections provided him with any insights as to how political broadcasting should be handled. Mr. Mthembu replied that each political party should be given equal opportunity.

Ms. Vos (IFP) remarked that the candidate spent most of his life in Kwazulu/Natal and asked whether provincial broadcasting in that area would be appropriate and whether he would be able to fulfill his post in Johannesburg, if chosen. He answered that Kwazulu/Natal was not so different as to warrant its own broadcasting, although local language should be promoted somehow. Mr. Mthembu affirmed that he was prepared to leave his law firm and go to Johannesburg if required to.

Mr. Magashule (ANC) inquired into Mr. Mthembu’s media experience again. He again replied that under the previous government he was unable to gain experience but that he still felt qualified for the position.

Mr. Swanepoel (NP) asked into the candidate’s political affiliation. Mr. Mthembu responded that although he attended an ANC sponsored diplomacy program, he is not a member of a political party.

Ms. Smuts (DP) remarked that other black candidates did have relevant media experience and asked again into Mr. Mthembu’s experience with the media. He stated that he had none.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) responded to Smuts that broadcast experience is not a requirement and asked Mr. Mthembu to give an account of his other qualifications. He discussed his various management experiences which required him to make bold decisions.


3. Mr. B.V. Roebert

The interview began with Mr. Roebert reading from a prepared statement about his experience.

A committee member (unidentified) asked Mr. Roebert to discuss his strong and weak points. Mr. Roebert replied that his main weakness is that he becomes irritated with slow progress and his main strength is his leadership ability.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) remarked that he was aware of Mr. Roebert’s views of animal rights and asked about his views of animal treatment on TV. He asserted that he held a balanced view of animal rights and free speech.

Mr. Bikitsha (NP) asked Mr. Roebert to discuss what he could bring to the IBA. Mr. Roebert reported that he was one of the finalists for the original IBA and that having been involved at the grass-roots level, he was aware of the desires of the general population.

Mr. Swanepoel (NP) asked whether if appointed he could cut his ties with his current job; he affirmed that he could.

Ms. Verwoerd (ANC) inquired into the candidate’s view of religious broadcasting. Mr. Roebert replied that he had respect for all religions and that each should be given an opportunity to broadcast, based on the percentage of the population that practice such religion. Mr. Kekana then asked about Satanism to which Mr. Roebert affirmed his belief in Christianity and responded that he did not consider Satanism a religion but that he would yield to the majority opinion on the issue if confronted with it.

Ms. Smuts (DP) inquired into his opinion of local broadcasting. Mr. Roebert discussed the importance of local and regional broadcasting especially in areas outside of Gauteng province.

Mr. Marsh (ANC) asked Mr. Roebert his views on the IBA’s independence; he replied that he believed it necessary for the IBA to remain independent.

Ms. Verwoerd (ANC) asked how to improve gender equality in broadcasting. Mr. Roebert replied that he was open to improvement and discussed the popularity of his broadcast geared toward women.

Mr. Roebert then gave a prepared closing statement.

4. Ms. N. Bulbulia

Ms. Van der Merwe (ANC) asked the candidate to explain her broadcasting experience. Ms.
Bulbulia discussed her employment in the policy development department of the IBA as well as her experience in children’s broadcasting.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) asked about the current debate over Sesame Street in the context of local content. Ms. Bulbulia discussed the need for local programming, including language and culture content.

Ms. Smuts (DP) asked her to expound upon her experience in drafting of policy matters. Ms. Bulbulia answered that she worked on the triple inquiry and focused on public broadcasting.

Mr. Mohlamonyane (ANC) asked whether the candidate were in favor of the merger. Ms. Bulbulia responded that although there is a need for a more efficient IBA, the IBA should be kept independent.

Ms. Vos (IFP) asked Ms. Bulbulia her views on the problems and successes of the IBA to date. Also, she inquired into her view on policy on promotion of gender. Ms. Verwoerd (ANC) asked whether there would be continuity in her switch of positions within the IBA if chosen. Candidate discussed the need for greater public awareness of the IBA and its functions. On the question of continuity, Ms. Bulbulia answered that because of the interdependence within the IBA, the move from assistant to counselor would be smooth. She then discussed the gender inequality issues within the IBA as well as in TV programming.

Mr. Magashule (ANC), Mr. Kekana (ANC), and Mr. Groenewald (FF), asked a series of questions dealing with language barriers in broadcasting. Ms. Bulbulia discussed the difficulty in including the various regional languages in regular TV broadcasting.

Mr. Bikitsha (NP) asked the candidate to discuss whether First World ideas are appropriate for South Africa. Ms. Bulbulia responded that although regional networks may work, the focus should be on nation building.


5. Mr. J. Tugwana

Ms. Smuts (DP) asked Mr. Tugwana to detail his broadcasting experience. The candidate discussed his role within SABC toward the restructuring of the organization and the issuing of TV licenses.

Mr. Mohlamonyane (ANC) asked whether Mr. Tugwana were still interested in the print media. Mr. Swanepoel (NP) asked how Mr. Tugwana would remain unbiased toward the SABC. Mr. Tugwana responded that he saw little difference between print and broadcasting. He asserted that he would not have difficulty in remaining unbiased.

Ms. Van der Merwe (ANC), noting that Mr. Tugwana holds trusteeships of a number of organizations as well as the directorship of his own company, asked about his background in finance. He responded that although he has received no formal training , he has a general understanding of finances. Ms. Vos (IFP) asked whether his company held any TV interests; he denied any.

Mr. Green (ACDP) asked how the candidate’s background would help the IBA. Mr. Tugwana discussed the role of the IBA in promoting diversity and his skill in that area.

Mr. Bikitsha (NP) inquired into Mr. Tugwana’s party affiliation, noting that he was recommended by Walter Sisulu. He replied that he had no ANC affiliation.

Mr. Marsh (ANC) and Mr. Mohlamonyane (ANC) asked questions regarding the independence of the IBA and the merger. Mr. Tugwana discussed the merger and his view that the IBA should remain as independent as possible.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) asked Mr. Tugwana to explain his specific qualities that make him a good candidate. Mr. Tugwana discussed how his experiences in various fields would help him contribute to the IBA.

6. Mr. L. Mtimde

Ms. Van der Merwe (ANC) asked Mr. Mtimde to give a summary of his experience as she could not locate his CV. He discussed his work in community radio and various positions held in that area.

Mr. Mohlamonyane (ANC) asked whether the candidate agreed with the merger. Mr. Mtimde discussed the need for a regulating body.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) asked about Mr. Mtimde’s views on provincial broadcasting. Mr. Groenewald (FF) asked about the future of community radio. Mr. Mtimde responded that provincial broadcasting is one option and stressed the need for a national strategy to increase infrastructure, skills and training within poorer communities.

Ms. Vos (IFP) asked the candidate to discuss the IBA’s role in gender equality. He answered that the IBA must redress imbalances and regulate content of the portrayal of women in the media.

Mr. Bikitsha (NP) asked if Mr. Mtimde held any political office; he replied that he did not. Mr. Swanepoel (NP) asked whether he were not a member of any party; he replied that he was but currently held no position within a party.

Mr. Marsh (ANC) asked how the candidate’s current position would be an asset to the IBA. Mr. Mtimde related his various management skills.

Ms. Smuts (DP) asked whether his affiliation with the communist party hindered his knowledge and abilities in finances. He replied that his political ideation is unrelated to his understanding of financial matters.

Mr. Magashule (ANC) inquired into Mr. Mtimde’s views of the present structure of the IBA. He discussed the role of the IBA as a regulator and the need to make the IBA reflect the population in gender and demographics.


Mr. R. Louw

Ms. Vos (IFP) asked Mr. Louw to discuss the merger. Mr. Louw discussed the need to consider the constitutional requirement for an independent regulatory body.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) asked the essential qualities of an IBA councillor. The candidate replied that experience in finance, journalism, marketing are important.

Mr. Mohlamonyane (ANC) asked Mr. Louw to discuss the controversy over language broadcasting. He responded that while it is important to consider each geographical region, it is impossible to give all areas equal treatment. Mr. Marsh (ANC) asked which language should be given preference; he replied that English should be the preferred language.

Mr. Bikitsha (NP) asked what remedial measures should be taken to correct the problems within the IBA. Mr. Louw discussed the past and present reputation of the IBA.

Ms. Van der Merwe (ANC) asked Mr. Louw to tell what he had been doing in the time since his application; he replied that he had been sitting for interviews from the media, attending conferences, etc. (slight sidetrack from the interview as MPs and Mr. Louw discuss a certain Green Paper.)

Mr. Magashule (ANC) questioned him about the independence of the IBA. Mr. Louw again discussed the necessity for the independence of the IBA.

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