20 August 2008
The SACP welcomes the passing of the Broadcasting Amendment Bill in the National Assembly yesterday. This Bill aims to correct some of the weaknesses in the current legislation especially weakness related to the appointment and removal of the SABC Board.
This we believe will go a long way in ensuring that never again should appointments of the SABC board be subject to narrow political manipulation. This legislation also acts to strengthen parliamentary oversight over the SABC and we see no contradiction between separation of powers and for the Speakers concurrence with the President in the appointment of the Board.
The SACP strongly condemns threats by the opposition to petition the president not to ascend to the Bill. Such action will be unconstitutional and can only serve to violate the separation of powers that these parties claim to believe in.
The SACP will tirelessly work with all the stakeholders to ensure that the SABC is indeed a truly public broadcaster and we will defend this Bill that has been passed by Parliament.
Issued by the SACP.
Contact: Malesela Maleka, SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802