Push to change Broadcasting Act

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi intends pushing for amendments to the Broadcasting Act to change how the SABC board is appointed.

In her first interaction with the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Cape Town yesterday, Muthambi said the current process to appoint the SABC's non-executive directors was a nightmare.

In terms of the act, the SABC board is appointed by the president following the recommendations of the National Assembly after interviews of candidates by the portfolio committee on communications.

The process has been criticised as too political, with the public and organisations being free to nominate their preferred candidates.

The ANC has in the past been accused of abusing the public selection process to ensure the appointment of its loyalists to the SABC board.

Muthambi, who served on the communications committee until her ascendancy to cabinet last month, said the current appointment process was untenable.

"It's a nightmare given our experience. I've been there in the [portfolio] committee where you had to disband; fire the board again and again. I think it's time for us to review legislation.

"The current format of the Broadcasting Act in appointing the board is the one that has made the whole process a painful exercise."

She also said a new chief executive of the SABC would be appointed soon.

While she had instructed the SABC to get its house in order, Muthambi said she would not interfere in their operations. - Denise Williams