Parly Committee finalises SABC board shortlist

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Parliament - The Portfolio Committee on Communications on Wednesday shortlisted the candidates that are to be invited to interviews for the new SABC board.

Just 31 candidates were chosen from the list of 230 nominees for the board.

Committee Chairperson Ismail Vadi said the shortlist was a product of a consensus report prepared by a multi-party task team of the committee.

"It's a product of a consensus report prepared by a multi-party task team of the committee, which had worked over extended hours all of [Tuesday] and the better part of [Wednesday] to finalise the report," said Mr Vadi.

The 31 candidates including Tselane Tambo, daughter of late former ANC president Oliver Tambo, former SABC journalists Max du Preez, journalist Philippa Green and politician Suzanne Vos among others.

They were selected on the basis several criteria including suitable academic qualifications, experience and expertise in the fields of broadcasting policy and technology.

The former board which was plagued by the mismanagement of funds was dissolved in June after which the public was invited to nominate new board members while an interim board was put in place.

"It is an inclusive list which reflects a broad cross-section of the population and draws on the multiple skills of the applicants," said Mr Vadi.

The committee, which will conduct interviews of the nominees from 8 to 10 September 2009, will focus on the nominees' commitment to freedom of expression, public accountability and transparency.

The committee said it was satisfied with the high level of interest shown by the public in the nomination process.

Mr Vadi said the CVs of the candidates' revealed a multitude of skills that could contribute to effective corporate governance and prudent financial management over the SABC.