ATC230920: Progress report of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on the filling of three vacancies in the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, dated 15 September 2023
Communications and Digital Technologies
Progress report of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on the filling of three vacancies in the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, dated 15 September 2023
The Portfolio Committee on Communications, having considered the request from the Minister in the Presidency, in respect of filling of three vacancies in the MDDA Board, reports as follows:
A letter dated 10 May 2023 was received from the Speaker of the National Assembly informing of a vacancy that arose because of the resignation of Ms Andiswa Ngcingwana, as a member of the Board of the MDDA. In the letter, the Minister requested the National Assembly to initiate a process of filling a vacancy in terms of the MDDA Act, 2002 (Act No 14 of 2002).
The Committee considered the letter from the Minister in the Presidency and resolved that the Secretariat should proceed with the process of publishing an advertisement in the media calling for the nomination of a person to fill the vacancy. The advertisement was published in all eleven official languages in two national newspapers, two regional newspapers and seven community media newspapers. The Committee received 13 nominations. Two (2) of the nominated candidates did not submit copies of their qualifications. Therefore, the Committee shortlisted from a pool of 11 candidates.
Another letter dated 20 May 2023, was received from the Speaker of the National Assembly informing of two vacancies that will arise because of the expiry of the term of office of Ms Brenda Leonard and Ms Marina Clarke, as Board members with effect from 31 August 2023. In the letter, the Minister requested the National Assembly to initiate a process of filling the two vacancies in terms of the MDDA Act, 2002 (Act No 14 of 2002).
The Committee considered the letter from the Minister in the Presidency and resolved that the Secretariat should proceed with the process of publishing an advertisement in the media calling for the nomination of persons to fill the vacancies. The advertisement was published in all eleven official languages in two national newspapers, two regional newspapers and seven community media newspapers. The Committee received 16 nominations. Qualifications verifications of all 16 candidates were concluded by Parliament’s Human Resources and the Secretariat awaits the results of the State Security Agency on personnel suitability checks.
On 15 September 2023, the Committee met to consider the criteria and skills required to fill the 3 (three) vacancies. The Committee unanimously resolved that the following 12 candidates be shortlisted for interviews: Ms Brenda Leonard, Ms Marina Clarke, Mr Thembelani Mpakati, Mr Qondile Khedama, Ms Lizeka Mda, Mr Mbasa Metuse, Ms Carol Maluleke, Ms Motsidi Mokgele, Adv. Gabriel Mello, Mr Grant Son, Ms Hulisani Mushiane and Ms Jayshree Pather.
The Democratic Alliance supported the shortlisted candidates but indicated that the names will be tabled to the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus and should there be any issues of concern, such will be raised during the public participation period.
The names of the 12 shortlisted candidates will be published for public comments for a period of two weeks, before the Committee conducts interviews.
Report to be noted.