ATC231016: 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 13 October 2023
Communications and Digital Technologies
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 13 October 2023
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies (here referred to as “the Committee”), having considered the request from the Minister in the Presidency in respect of filling 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 MDDA Board. In the letter, the Minister in the Presidency requested the National Assembly to initiate a process of filling the 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 11 official languages in two (2) national newspapers, two regional newspapers and seven (7) 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 (2) 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 (2) 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 two vacancies. The advertisement was published in all 11 official languages in two (2) national newspapers, two (2) regional newspapers and seven (7) community media newspapers. The Committee received 16 nominations. Qualifications verifications of all 16 candidates were conducted by Parliament Human Resources and State Security Agency (SSA) conducted the Personnel Suitability Checks (PSCs).
On 15 September 2023, the Committee met to consider the criteria and skills required to fill the 3 (three) vacancies. After deliberating on the nominated candidates, 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. Mosidi Mokgele, Adv. Gabriel Mello, Mr. Grant Son, Ms. Hulisani Mushiane and Ms. Jayshree Pather. The names of the 12 shortlisted candidates were published for public comments two (2) weeks before the interviews.
On 5 and 6 October 2023, the Subcommittee interviewed 11 candidates, except Ms Hulisani Mushiane, who did not attend the interview and did not provide a reason thereof.
On 13 October 2023, the Committee deliberated and recommends that the following three (3) candidates be appointed to serve on the MDDA Board: Mr. Qondile Khedama, Mr. Thembelani Mpakati and Ms. Jayshree Pather.
Report to be considered.