Question NW1027 to the Minister of Communications

Robinson, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What is the progress on the implementation of the recommendations with regard to the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the SA Broadcasting Corporation Inquiry, that (i) the attorneys who had advised and acted on behalf of the SABC Board chairperson and the Company Secretary in denying Parliament access to the documents requested in preparation for the inquiry should face all appropriate consequences, including being reported to the appropriate law society, (ii) in light of the former Company Secretary’s role in obstructing the inquiry, the Interim Board should investigate her conduct, and if necessary she should be charged criminally in terms of section 17(2)(e) of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, Act 37 of 2001, (iii) the new Board in conjunction with the Minister of Communications should implement necessary disciplinary action against the acting Group Chief Executive Officer for having defied Parliament, (iv) the SABC Board should ensure that an environment free of fear and intimidation or abuse of power prevails at the SABC at all times (details furnished), (v) the revised editorial policy should be withdrawn and thorough public consultation should be conducted and the Interim Board should ensure that this process is expedited, (vi) the Interim Board implements the Public Protector’s remedial action outlined in the report titled When Governance and Ethics Fail (details furnished), (vii) the Interim Board performs an audit of all remedial action, recommendations and orders that have been issued over the past three years to determine the SABC’s compliance in this regard and where matters are not subject to review, implementation plans be developed and executed without delay, (viii) the Interim Board should investigate the nature of the State Security Agency’s activities within the SABC and (b) has the Interim Board set the deadline for achieving each recommendation?