Question NW3175 to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
24 October 2022 - NW3175
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(1) What are the (a) full details of the qualifications of the newly appointed head of news (name furnished) and (b) reasons that the previously necessary qualifications of a relevant MA degree and broadcast experience were dropped in the advertisement for the crucial position; (2) whether the previous qualifications and experience requirements were dropped in order to enable the hiring of the specified person; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) given the mass lay-off of staff, what are the reasons that the person was given permission to hire his own secretary despite the fact that there are secretaries available on the staff; (4) whether she has been informed that the person does not attend meetings; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the specified person’s explanation and (b) will the person be disciplined for the dereliction of duty; (5) whether she will furnish Ms D Kohler with a full record of the attendance and income for each SA Broadcasting Corporation Board member for the duration of their tenure; if not, why not; if so, on what date?
Reply:
I have been informed by the SABC as follows:
1. (a) The qualifications of the newly appointed head of news are as follows:
(i) Honours Degree (NQF 8) in Journalism
(ii) LLB Degree (NQF 8)
(iii) Post Graduate Diploma in Arts (NQF 8 equivalent)
(iv) Post Graduate Certificate - Management Advancement Programme
(b) The position of Group Executive: News and Current Affairs was advertised as per the SABC’s Recruitment and Selection Policy. The necessary approvals were obtained accordingly and the whole recruitment and selection process was fully compliant. All verification processes were duly undertaken, including psychometric tests. As per the advertisement, the inherent minimum requirements of the job are Journalism qualification (NQF 6/) or equivalent plus Post Graduate business qualification (NQF 8). MA/MBA was recommended.
2. The above job qualification requirements were fully met and exceeded by the current incumbent as per his qualifications stated in (a) above. The required working experience is 10 years’ work experience in News, Current Affairs and International broadcasting of which five years should be at Senior Manager Level and this was the second most important minimum requirement.
The above work experience requirements were also fully met and exceeded by the current incumbent which is evident in his CV which reflects 25 years overall relevant experience, that is:
(i) His Reporter experience began in 1996 to 2006.
(ii) His Functional leadership continued from 2007 to 2015.
(iii) His General Leadership continued from 2016 to 2021.
3. All Group Executive positions (including the Head of News) have secretary posts in their approved structures. This is consistent across the Corporation. The secretary serves the entire division, not the respective head of the division, in their performance of the divisional administrative functions. The appointment of the secretary was therefore not unique in the case of the Head of News as the secretary serves the entire division. The position was also advertised both internally and externally which allowed for any internal/external candidates to apply for the post. As such, the SABC is not aware of any available secretary that have been overlooked.
4. The current incumbent is part of the Group Executive Committee and attends all these meetings unless work engagements take preference. He is not an Executive Director and as such he is not part of Board meetings unless there is a specific reason for him to attend.
5. The required information is obtainable in the Annual Report which is duly audited by the Auditor-General.
Authorised for submission by
MR TINYIKO NGOBENI
DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)
DATE:
Recommended/not recommended
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HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE:
Approved/ not approved
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HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
DATE: