Cape Town – The Ad Hoc Committee set up to conduct an inquiry on the SABC Board’s fitness to hold office has condemned reports of alleged intimidation of some of the broadcaster’s journalists who were recently suspended by the broadcaster.
The Ad Hoc Committee has also hit the ground running and expects to present its report to Parliament by 15 February 2017.
The multi-party Ad Hoc Committee, which was appointed through a resolution taken by the National Assembly, held its first meeting on Tuesday, where it nominated senior ANC MP Vincent Smith as the chairperson.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the committee meeting, Smith said reports of the alleged intimidation of one of the so-called SABC eight was unacceptable.
“We were saying that as Parliament, we would like to appeal that all journalists and all witnesses to this process are given the protection that would make it possible for them to come and appear before this committee without feeling intimidated.
“We also want to secondly, as this committee, condemn any intimidation of witnesses … in the strongest possible terms. When it comes to the work of this committee, we want to send out a strong message that intimidation of journalists is not on,” he said.
According to reports, SABC journalist Suna Venter complained about a few incidents of intimidation, including threatening text messages and her house being broken into and trashed – with nothing being taken.
Earlier, during the meeting, various MPs also condemned the reported intimidation and called for journalists, as well as other witnesses that will appear before the committee, to be protected.
Meanwhile, addressing members of the committee during the meeting, Smith said according to the terms of reference, members have until 15 February to submit a report to the National Assembly.
By end of business on Wednesday, 16 November, the committee will send out notices to all the witnesses to give them time to prepare.
“By 18th November, we will ask the Secretary of SABC to send us all documents that can assist with the hearings by 21 November.
“This committee can start its business formally on the 29th of November,” he said.
He said the programme would be re-visited to see how it can be altered to give members and witnesses enough time to complete their work.
Suggestions were made that members could even work over weekends in a bid to ensure that the inquiry is given enough time to do its work.
The Ad Hoc Committee, meanwhile, will call several witnesses to come make representations at the inquiry.
Some of the proposed names include SABC senior journalist Sophie Mokoena, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, former board members and Communications Minister Faith Muthambi as the shareholder of the SABC.
Meanwhile, as the committee convened its meeting, the Presidency released a statement announcing that President Jacob Zuma had accepted the resignation of two SABC Board members.
In a statement, the Presidency said: “President Jacob Zuma has received and accepted the resignations of Ms Vuyo Mhlakaza and Dr Aaron Tshidzumba as members of the Board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), with immediate effect.
“The President has thanked the two former board members for their contribution during their tenure at the SABC and wished them well in all their future endeavours”. – SAnews.gov.za
